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

Starting your day with water instead of coffee may reduce stomach pain caused by coffee’s acidity and also support digestion. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026

The process begins by crushing and grinding magnets before digestion and separation of base metals, including iron, manganese, aluminum, nickel, copper, and boron. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Getting enough fiber helps keep your digestive system balanced, speeding up or slowing down digestion as needed. — Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, HEALTH, 6 Sep. 2026

Natto contains probiotics and prebiotics which can help support the gut microbiome and digestion. — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 5 Sep. 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