digestive system

American  

noun

digestive systems plural

1. the system by which ingested food is acted upon by physical and chemical means to provide the body with absorbable nutrients and to excrete waste products; in mammals the system includes the alimentary canal extending from the mouth to the anus, and the hormones and enzymes assisting in digestion.

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digestive system Scientific  

/ dī-jĕs′tĭv /

1. The alimentary canal together with the salivary glands, liver, pancreas, and other organs of digestion.

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digestive system Cultural  

1. The organs and glands in the body that are responsible for digestion. The digestive system begins with the mouth and extends through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, ending with the rectum and anus. Other organs in this system include the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and appendix.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• digestive systems
  plural

Etymology

Origin of digestive system

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Because bile acids enter the bloodstream, they can affect tissues and organs far beyond the digestive system.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

Gastrointestinal failure means Rupert's digestive system does not function as it should, while haemophilia A is a condition which affects how his blood clots.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Prebiotic fiber, from sources like legumes, fortifies the good bacteria in your digestive system and, in turn, benefits your metabolism and immune system.

From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026

“My immune system and digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple of three years,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

However primitive my digestive system may be, it seems to appreciate Lily’s effort, even if the wine is tasteless.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson