digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən 

də-,

-ˈjesh-

: the action, process, or power of digesting: such as

a

: the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract

b

: the process in sewage treatment by which organic matter in sludge is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria with the release of a burnable mixture of gases

Examples of digestion in a Sentence

an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein

She began to suffer from poor digestion as she grew older.

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, eggs and chicken are digested at a rate above 90%, while plant proteins have a digestion rate ranging between 45–80%. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024

In legal proceedings, lawyers for the companies have argued that their drugs temporarily and purposely slow digestion but do not cause chronic issues such as gastroparesis, noting that side effects should disappear within about a month of going off the medications. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

This type of cancer affects the large intestine and digestion, with a lifetime risk for men of 1 in 23. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

Weight loss, bloating, cravings, digestion, acne, face puffiness, energy—apple cider vinegar [ACV] gummies are said to help with all manner of things. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən 

də-

: the process by which food is broken down into simpler forms in the body by mechanical and enzymatic means

Medical Definition

digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes(h)-chən, də- 

: the action, process, or power of digesting

especially : the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract