digestion

noun di·ges·tion \dī-ˈjes-chən, də-, -ˈjesh-\

: the process by which food is changed to a simpler form after it is eaten

Full Definition of DIGESTION

: the action, process, or power of digesting: as

a : the process of making food absorbable by dissolving it and breaking it down into simpler chemical compounds that occurs in the living body chiefly through the action of enzymes secreted into the alimentary canal

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

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First Known Use of DIGESTION

14th century

Rhymes with DIGESTION

congestion, cross-question, ingestion, self-question, suggestion, tag question

DIGESTION Defined for Kids

digestion

noun di·ges·tion \dī-ˈjes-chən, də-\

Definition of DIGESTION for Kids

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

Medical Dictionary

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 alimentary canal