deglutition

noun

de·​glu·​ti·​tion ˌdē-glü-ˈti-shən How to pronounce deglutition (audio)
ˌde-glü-
: the act or process of swallowing

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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

Time Traveler
The first known use of deglutition was in 1650

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Dictionary Entries Near deglutition

Cite this Entry

“Deglutition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deglutition. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

deglutition

noun
de·​glu·​ti·​tion ˌdē-ˌglü-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce deglutition (audio) ˌdeg-ˌlü- How to pronounce deglutition (audio)
: the act, power, or process of swallowing

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