Digestive refers to the organs that make up the digestive system, while digestion is the process by which food is broken down.
Think of it this way: the digestive system is the hardware, and digestion is the software that runs on it. The digestive system performs the process of digestion.
Further Elaboration:
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Digestive (Adjective): This term is used to describe anything related to the system involved in breaking down food.
- Example: The digestive tract, digestive enzymes, digestive health.
- It usually modifies a noun.
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Digestion (Noun): This is the process itself. It's the complex series of chemical and mechanical actions that break down food into smaller molecules that the body can absorb and use.
- Example: Digestion begins in the mouth. The process of digestion can be affected by stress.
Analogy Table:
| Feature | Digestive | Digestion |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Adjective/System | Noun/Process |
| Refers to | Organs & related structures | The process of breaking down food |
| Example | Digestive system | Food undergoing digestion |
| Function | Performs the process | Is the process being performed |
In summary, the digestive system is the what (the organs), and digestion is the how (the process). The digestive system facilitates digestion.
