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

Amazon Big Spring Sale: Supplements Deals Spring forward aside, the time is right to improve digestion, rest, and overall well-being. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025

Garden of Life’s vegan protein powder has 22 grams of protein per serving and five grams of fiber, which helps with your digestion. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2025

Genes in cells predictably turn on or off to optimize our body’s processes, such as digestion, hormone levels, daily performance and sleep. —Sharon Horesh Bergquist, Flow Space, 24 Mar. 2025

Accessing the innate relaxation response, the biological antidote to the stress response during which digestion, repair and detox are optimized, is critically important when seeking to regain a calm baseline. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 21 Mar. 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