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

Whole oranges and grapefruit retain fiber, which slows digestion and promotes satiety. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

However, both eggnog and hot chocolate can contain protein and fat, nutrients that slow digestion and impact how rapidly sugar enters the bloodstream. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 Dec. 2025

Cattle emit methane, a potent heat-trapping gas, during digestion and livestock farming drives deforestation in vulnerable areas. —Royson Valliyil, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025

The new drugs mimicked a small protein named GLP-1, which normally regulates blood sugar and digestion. —Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for digestion

• congestion
• ingestion
• suggestion
• gestion
• question
• indigestion

Kids 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