digestive

[dih-jes-tiv, dahy-]

adjective

1. serving for or pertaining to digestion; having the function of digesting food.

   the digestive tract.

2. promoting digestion.

noun

1. a substance promoting digestion.

digestive

/ dɪˈdʒɛstɪv, daɪˈdʒɛstənt, daɪ- /

adjective

1. relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion

   a digestive enzyme

noun

1. a less common word for digestant

2. short for digestive biscuit

Other Word Forms

• digestively adverb
• nondigestive adjective
• postdigestive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of digestive¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French digestif < Latin dīgestīvus, equivalent to dīgest ( us ) ( digest ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

In 2023 the most common causes of avoidable death in people with learning disabilities were influenza, pneumonia, cancers of the digestive tract and heart disease.

From BBC

The Glaswegian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when just a baby, meaning she suffered breathing and digestive problems throughout her life.

From BBC

One parent told the BBC that he was worried about the long-term effects of lead poisoning on his son's liver and digestive system.

From BBC

Still, mushroom supplement packaging has been known to include phrases like “immune support,” “digestive health” or “supports mental clarity.”

From Los Angeles Times

Injectables are particularly dangerous if contaminated because the medication is injected directly into the body, unlike a pill that goes through the filtering of the digestive tract.

From Salon