digestion

noun

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di·ges·tion | \ dī-ˈjes-chən

, də-, -ˈjesh- \

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

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 Monterroso examined the patient with her virtual hands, placing a stethoscope on her stomach to listen to the sounds of digestion. — New York Times, 26 Apr. 2022 There are a few reasons why CBD oil can help improve appetite and digestion in cats. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Apr. 2022 One leading area of research is exploring possible dysfunction in the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious functions such as breathing, heart rate and digestion. — Ariana Eunjung Cha, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2022 Insoluble fiber doesn’t pull in water to form a digestion-slowing gel like soluble fiber—its role is just the opposite, actually. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 31 Mar. 2022 The autonomic nervous system, which regulates things like heart rate, pupil dilation, body temperature, and digestion, can be split into two categories: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Mar. 2022 Twenty miles later, on his 12th loop, his digestion faltered. — New York Times, 11 Apr. 2022 Also, as toxins move back into the gastrointestinal tract, the power of digestion is further slowed. — Charles Curtis, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2022 The twists, turns and funnels ease fluids forward, which could be an energy-saving form of digestion. — Rachael Lallensack, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2021 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near digestion

digestif

digestion

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Statistics for digestion

Last Updated

11 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Digestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestion. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for digestion

digestion

noun

di·ges·tion | \ dī-ˈjes-chən

, də- \

Kids Definition of digestion

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

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