digestive system

American  

noun

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.

---

digestive system Scientific  

/ dī-jĕs′tĭv /

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of digestive system

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

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

These microbes are believed to play roles in processes such as acid production in the digestive system and bile acid synthesis, which may help protect against harmful bacteria and infections.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

The bile ducts are small tubes that connect different organs, including the liver and gall bladder, and are part of the digestive system.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Mr. Levy straightened his newspaper and realized again that, were his digestive system able to take it, he should have given his time to supervising Levy Pants.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole