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 verb1: 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 verb1: to waste or burn away : perish2: to utilize economic goods