alimentary canal n 1: tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending about 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination [syn: {alimentary canal}, {alimentary tract}, {digestive tube}, {digestive tract}, {gastrointestinal tract}, {GI tract}]
Alimentary \Al`i*men"ta*ry\, a. [L. alimentarius, fr. alimentum: cf. F. alimentaire.] Pertaining to aliment or food, or to the function of nutrition; nutritious; alimental; as, alimentary substances. [1913 Webster] {Alimentary canal}, the entire channel, extending from the mouth to the anus, by which aliments are conveyed through the body, and the useless parts ejected. [1913 Webster]