B2 noun Formal

alimentary

/ˌæl.ɪˈmen.tər.i/

Relating to nourishment or the organs of digestion in the body. It is most frequently used in medical and biological contexts to describe the path food takes through an organism.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for your alimentary well-being.

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for your alimentary well-being.

2

The surgeon examined the patient's alimentary tract for any signs of obstruction.

The surgeon examined the patient's alimentary tract for any signs of obstruction.

3

My alimentary system doesn't seem to handle spicy food very well.

My alimentary system doesn't seem to handle spicy food very well.

Word Family

Noun
aliment
Verb
aliment
Adverb
alimentarily
Adjective
alimentary
Related
alimentation
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Ailments' that start in your 'Aliments'. If you eat bad food, it travels down your alimentary canal and causes an ailment.

Quick Quiz

The ______ canal is the tube through which food passes in the body.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alimentary

Examples

1

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for your alimentary well-being.

everyday

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for your alimentary well-being.

2

The surgeon examined the patient's alimentary tract for any signs of obstruction.

formal

The surgeon examined the patient's alimentary tract for any signs of obstruction.

3

My alimentary system doesn't seem to handle spicy food very well.

informal

My alimentary system doesn't seem to handle spicy food very well.

4

The alimentary canal in humans is approximately nine meters long and consists of several specialized organs.

academic

The alimentary canal in humans is approximately nine meters long and consists of several specialized organs.

5

The pharmaceutical company is developing a new range of alimentary supplements.

business

The pharmaceutical company is developing a new range of alimentary supplements.

Word Family

Noun
aliment
Verb
aliment
Adverb
alimentarily
Adjective
alimentary
Related
alimentation

Common Collocations

alimentary canal alimentary canal
alimentary tract alimentary tract
alimentary needs alimentary needs
alimentary system alimentary system
alimentary habits alimentary habits

Common Phrases

alimentary tract

the passage along which food passes through the body

alimentary canal

the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus

alimentary bolus

a small rounded mass of chewed food

Often Confused With

alimentary vs elementary

Elementary refers to basic or primary levels of something, while alimentary refers to food and digestion.

alimentary vs alimony

Alimony is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse after separation.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is almost exclusively used in medical or biological descriptions, particularly when referring to the 'alimentary canal'. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing health specifics.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell it as 'elementary' or 'alimentary' (with an 'e' in the wrong place). It is an adjective, though it sounds like it could be a noun.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Ailments' that start in your 'Aliments'. If you eat bad food, it travels down your alimentary canal and causes an ailment.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'alimentum', which means nourishment or food, from the verb 'alere' meaning to nourish.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an adjective before nouns (attributive position) No comparative or superlative forms (non-gradable)

Quick Quiz

The ______ canal is the tube through which food passes in the body.

Correct!

The correct answer is: alimentary

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