digestion

noun

di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce digestion (audio)
də-,
-ˈjesh-
: the action, process, or power of digesting: such as
a
: the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract
b
: the process in sewage treatment by which organic matter in sludge is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria with the release of a burnable mixture of gases

Examples of digestion in a Sentence

an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein She began to suffer from poor digestion as she grew older.
Recent Examples on the Web The single-use supplement features formulas inspired by ancient health practices (think: Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine), designed to foster vitality, digestion, immunity, and more. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 Eating too close to bedtime has been associated with acid reflux, disrupting digestion, and interfering with blood sugar (all of which could cause poor nighttime rest). Sarah Garone, Health, 6 Feb. 2024 Tennis star Novak Djokovic drinks room-temperature water, because cold water slows digestion. Aaron Reiss, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 Probiotics have been buzzy for some time now—and touted to ease digestion and support immune health. Lauren Del Turco, SELF, 22 Feb. 2024 Adding more fiber to your diet and exercising regularly can support digestion. Steph Coelho, Health, 10 Feb. 2024 Most stomach cancers form along the innermost layer of your stomach lining, the mucosa, which helps with digestion. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 6 Feb. 2024 Compared with compound proteins, isolates contain more protein and less fat, carbs, and lactose, the latter of which can cause GI distress and digestion issues for some, Dr. Titchenal explains. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024 Adjustments in eating habits and digestion may also be at play. Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'digestion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of digestion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near digestion

Cite this Entry

“Digestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

digestion

noun
di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes-chən How to pronounce digestion (audio)
də-
: the process by which food is broken down into simpler forms in the body by mechanical and enzymatic means

Medical Definition

digestion

noun
di·​ges·​tion dī-ˈjes(h)-chən, də- How to pronounce digestion (audio)
: the action, process, or power of digesting
especially : the process of making food absorbable by mechanically and enzymatically breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds in the digestive tract
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!