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

Eating the right amount of fruit daily supports heart health, digestion, and overall wellness. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026

This increases alertness, boosts available energy and temporarily downshifts nonessential functions like digestion. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026

Aids digestion and assimulation, cures dyspepsia, cures neuralgia and sick headache, invigorates the brain and nervous system. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 29 May 2026

Speedy weight loss increases bile acids, which are used to break down fat during digestion. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 29 May 2026

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