alimentary
alimentary — adjective
1. connected with the process of eating, digesting, and using food to keep the body
connected with the process of eating, digesting, and using food to keep the body alive and healthy.
The biology class studied how the alimentary system breaks down proteins and carbohydrates.
collocation: alimentary system
Dr. Nakamura explained that the alimentary functions begin as soon as food enters the mouth.
collocation: alimentary functions
A healthy alimentary process depends on enzymes produced by the stomach and pancreas.
The hospital's new study focuses on alimentary disorders that cause poor absorption of vitamins.
- digestive
much more common in everyday English; 'alimentary' is more technical and formal
- nutritive
specifically about the nutritional value of food rather than the whole digestive process
- gastrointestinal
a narrower medical term referring specifically to the stomach and intestines
文法句型
alimentary + noun
用法筆記
Usually appears before a noun such as 'system', 'canal', 'tract', or 'process'. Less common in everyday speech than 'digestive'.
常見錯誤
2. giving the body the food and energy it requires to stay alive and function prope
giving the body the food and energy it requires to stay alive and function properly.
Rice and beans form an alimentary staple for millions of families across Latin America.
collocation: alimentary staple
The charity distributed alimentary packages containing dried milk, grains, and cooking oil.
collocation: alimentary packages
During the drought, the government airlifted alimentary supplies to the affected mountain villages.
Breast milk provides ideal alimentary support for newborn babies during their first six months.
- nutritious
common in daily use, while 'alimentary' is formal and technical
- nourishing
focuses on the health-giving quality of food; friendlier register
- sustaining
emphasises keeping someone alive over the long term
文法句型
alimentary + noun
用法筆記
Often describes supplies, substances, or support that sustain life. Applied equally to humans and animals.
alimentary — noun
1. the long tube inside the body through which food travels from the mouth to the s
the long tube inside the body through which food travels from the mouth to the stomach and intestines to be digested.
Food moves through the alimentary by waves of muscle contractions called peristalsis.
usually paired with 'canal' or 'tract' in full form
The surgeon examined the patient's alimentary for any signs of blockage or inflammation.
Bacteria in the large intestine play a vital role near the end of the alimentary.
A blockage in the alimentary can cause severe pain and requires immediate medical attention.
- digestive tract
the everyday equivalent; 'alimentary' is the technical medical term
- alimentary canal
the full name; 'the alimentary' is a shortened form
- gastrointestinal tract
a closely related medical term, often used interchangeably but technically narrower
文法句型
the alimentary
用法筆記
In modern usage 'alimentary canal' or 'alimentary tract' is more common than the standalone noun 'alimentary'. The short form is used mainly in medical contexts where the referent is already clear.