refection

noun

re·​fec·​tion ri-ˈfek-shən 

1

: refreshment of mind, spirit, or body

especially : nourishment

2

a

: the taking of refreshment

b

: food and drink together : repast

Did you know?

Whether you sit down for nourishment or sustenance, aliment or pabulum, a meal or a repast, you are unlikely to encounter a shortage of English words for food or the partaking of food. Refection is just such a word. It was first borrowed by Middle English (as refeccioun) from Anglo-French refectiun, which in turn was derived from Latin refectio (meaning "refreshment" or "repairing"). Refectio comes from the verb reficere ("to remake, renew, or restore"), a combination of the prefix re- ("again") and the verb facere ("to make or do"). Refection is not only applied to food, however. It has been used to describe many means of restoring or refreshing one's body, and of mental and spiritual sustenance as well.

Synonyms

• chow
• feed
• meal
• menu
• mess
• repast
• table

Examples of refection in a Sentence

refections at the monastery are as spartan as the surroundings

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a refection of both Joran and I in the design. —Bob Townsend, ajc, 26 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English refeccioun, from Anglo-French refectiun, from Latin refection-, refectio, from reficere to restore, from re- + facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Definition

refection

noun

re·​fec·​tion ri-ˈfek-shən 

1

: satisfaction of hunger and thirst

2

a

: the eating of feces especially by the animal producing them

b

: spontaneous recovery of vitamin-depleted animals on a high starch diet presumably resulting from consumption of feces enriched with vitamins synthesized by intestinal bacteria