refection

noun

re·​fec·​tion ri-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce refection (audio)
1
: refreshment of mind, spirit, or body
especially : nourishment
2
a
: the taking of refreshment
b
: food and drink together : repast

Did you know?

Whether you sit down for nourishment or sustenance, aliment or pabulum, a meal or a repast, you are unlikely to encounter a shortage of English words for food or the partaking of food. Refection is just such a word. It was first borrowed by Middle English (as refeccioun) from Anglo-French refectiun, which in turn was derived from Latin refectio (meaning "refreshment" or "repairing"). Refectio comes from the verb reficere ("to remake, renew, or restore"), a combination of the prefix re- ("again") and the verb facere ("to make or do"). Refection is not only applied to food, however. It has been used to describe many means of restoring or refreshing one's body, and of mental and spiritual sustenance as well.

Examples of refection in a Sentence

refections at the monastery are as spartan as the surroundings
Recent Examples on the Web This is a refection of both Joran and I in the design. Bob Townsend, ajc, 26 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English refeccioun, from Anglo-French refectiun, from Latin refection-, refectio, from reficere to restore, from re- + facere to make — more at do

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refection was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near refection

Cite this Entry

“Refection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refection. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

refection

noun
re·​fec·​tion ri-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce refection (audio)
1
: satisfaction of hunger and thirst
2
a
: the eating of feces especially by the animal producing them
b
: spontaneous recovery of vitamin-depleted animals on a high starch diet presumably resulting from consumption of feces enriched with vitamins synthesized by intestinal bacteria
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