digestion

noun di·ges·tion \ dī-ˈjes-chən , də- , -ˈjesh- \

|Updated on: 21 Aug 2018

Definition of digestion

: 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

See digestion defined for English-language learners

See digestion defined for kids

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 of digestion from the Web

The dash of umeboshi vinegar — a tart, fermented plum vinegar sold in Japanese markets — adds subtle umami and stimulates digestion.

— julia sherman, New York Times, "A Cookbook of Artists’ Creative Summer Desserts," 22 June 2018
The activities demonstrated which fruits and vegetables boost metabolism, are good for digestion, and are best for controlling blood sugar.

— emily himes, miamiherald, "Diabetic children learn about nutrition and keeping healthy at Camp Roaring Sun," 10 July 2018
Their benefits include providing energy, aiding in digestion, and helping prevent chronic disease.

— jackie pilossoph, chicagotribune.com, "15 material and nonmaterial self-confidence boosters," 20 June 2018
According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is an inflammation of the gland that produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that regulate the way your body processes sugar.

— gil kaufman, Billboard, "Avicii Suffered From Pancreatitis -- What is It?," 24 Apr. 2018
That movement of ions is the basis for many of the body’s functions, like nerve impulses, muscle contractions and digestion.

— katie thomas, BostonGlobe.com, "Jens Christian Skou, 99, Nobel recipient in chemistry," 4 June 2018
Essentially, your body is trying to avoid wasting energy on non-essential functions, including digestion, in order to better respond to the source of stress.

— korin miller, SELF, "Olympic Figure Skater Adam Rippon Speaks the Truth About Nervous Poops," 6 Apr. 2018
The oolong tea is chock-full of antioxidants and allspice aids digestion.

— shelbie lynn bostedt, RedEye Chicago, "Drink your way to health with these 'nutritious' cocktails," 8 June 2017
The key to these virtually calorie-free sweeteners is that they are not broken down during digestion into natural sugars such as glucose, fructose and galactose, which are then either used for energy or converted into fat.

— eunice zhang, Washington Post, "Diet drinks may seem like a good idea, but their effects may surprise you," 3 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'digestion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of digestion

14th century

in the meaning defined above

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DIGESTION Defined for English Language Learners

digestion

noun

Definition of digestion for English Language Learners

: the process by which food is changed to a simpler form after it is eaten

DIGESTION Defined for Kids

digestion

noun di·ges·tion \ dī-ˈjes-chən , də- \

Definition of digestion for Students

: the body's process or power of changing food into simpler forms that can be taken up and used

Medical Dictionary

digestion

noun di·ges·tion \ dī-ˈjes(h)-chən, də- \

medical Definition of digestion

: 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