Main Entry: con·sume

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsüm\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): con·sumed; con·sum·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French consumer, from Latin consumere, from com- + sumere to take up, take, from sub- up + emere to take — more at sub-, redeem

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to do away with completely : destroy <fire consumed several buildings>
2 a : to spend wastefully : squander b : use up <writing consumed much of his time>
3 a : to eat or drink especially in great quantity <consumed several bags of pretzels> b : to enjoy avidly : devour <mysteries, which she consumes for fun — E. R. Lipson>
4 : to engage fully : engross <consumed with curiosity>
5 : to utilize as a customer <consume goods and services>intransitive verb 1 : to waste or burn away : perish
2 : to utilize economic goods