roughage

noun

rough·​age ˈrə-fij 

: mostly indigestible material in food (such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables) that promotes elimination of waste from the large intestine : fiber sense 1d

Knowing where to get dietary fiber is important because strong evidence now links roughage to good health, weight management and a reduced risk of colon cancer and other major diseases.

—Elizabeth Somer

also : food containing much indigestible material acting as fiber

That's okay, though: Junk food has a place in a moviegoing diet, as long as you make room for roughage elsewhere.

—Ty Burr

Examples of roughage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This lack of roughage may also be one of the leading contributors to the rise of colon cancer in younger adults. —Amy Fischer Ms, Rd, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

However, not all game shows are winners, and there’s a lot of reality TV roughage to dig through in pursuit of a few diamonds. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2024

Additionally, McGowan said people should avoid fruits and vegetables with significant roughage — the indigestible portion of food. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023

There’s enough roughage to skip a salad altogether, and the cream and parm keep the sauce from feeling too vegetal. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 4 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

roughage

noun

rough·​age ˈrəf-ij 

: fiber sense 1f

Medical Definition

roughage

noun

rough·​age ˈrəf-ij 

: fiber sense 2

also : food (as bran) containing much indigestible material acting as fiber