digestion
noun
di·ges·tion
dī-ˈjes-chən 
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
According to Purina, all the vitamins and minerals found in carrots support healthy vision, digestion, heart health, and a healthy skin and coat.
—
Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The research, published in the journal Science Signaling, took a closer look at enzymes — proteins in the body that speed up chemical reactions and are essential for digestion, liver function and other key functions, according to Cleveland Clinic — and their role in Parkinson's.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
So that black line is likely a combination of all those things in various stages of digestion, Dave Love, PhD, a senior scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, tells SELF.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 4 July 2025
Our bodies rely on beneficial microbes to aid digestion and protect against pathogens.
—New Atlas, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for digestion
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Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The research, published in the journal Science Signaling, took a closer look at enzymes — proteins in the body that speed up chemical reactions and are essential for digestion, liver function and other key functions, according to Cleveland Clinic — and their role in Parkinson's.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
So that black line is likely a combination of all those things in various stages of digestion, Dave Love, PhD, a senior scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, tells SELF.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 4 July 2025
Our bodies rely on beneficial microbes to aid digestion and protect against pathogens.
—New Atlas, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for digestion
Cite this Entry
“Digestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestion. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
digestion
noun
di·ges·tion
dī-ˈjes-chən
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-
: 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
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