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

These components help promote digestion and may also help prevent constipation,6 which leads to abdominal discomfort and raises the risk of many health complications—such as diverticulitis (inflamed pouches in the intestine) and colon cancer. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2025

By some measures, the market has been in gentle, rotational digestion mode since the end of July. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

Fiber can help support your heart health, digestion, and weight management efforts. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 9 Sep. 2025

This matters because onions support heart health, mushrooms help strengthen immunity and cabbage aids digestion and gut health. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestion

• congestion
• ingestion
• suggestion
• gestion
• question
• indigestion

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