deglutition

noun

de·​glu·​ti·​tion ˌdē-glü-ˈti-shən 

ˌde-glü-

: the act or process of swallowing

Did you know?

Deglutition comes to us from the French word déglutition, which is derived from the Latin verb deglutire, meaning "to swallow down." "Deglutire," in turn, derives from de- and glutire, a verb meaning "to swallow." "Deglutition" is a fairly rare word these days, but it has a relative in English that is quite familiar: the noun glutton, meaning "one who eats to excess." "Glutton" comes from a Latin word ("glutto") that is related to "glutire."

Word History

Etymology

French déglutition, from Latin deglutire to swallow down, from de- + glutire, gluttire to swallow — more at glutton

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

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Medical Definition

deglutition

noun

de·​glu·​ti·​tion ˌdē-ˌglü-ˈtish-ən  ˌdeg-ˌlü- 

: the act, power, or process of swallowing