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
Ginger has been shown in studies to encourage digestion and aid in nausea related to bloating, gas, pregnancy and chemotherapy.
—
Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
The length list of ingredients allows consumers to get plenty of support in their gut, their digestion, and any other part of the body that can impact it.
—Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The microbiome consists of trillions of living bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes inside your gut that play essential roles in digestion, immune system regulation and overall health.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Laxative Supplements These work to increase intestinal motility (an essential part of digestion), alter stool form, and/or increase stool frequency.3
Osmotic laxatives: Draw water into the colon, which can help to hydrate (soften) stool and speed up emptying time.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
Nuts and seeds might cause painful digestion and bowel movements if your body does not break them down well enough.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Much as humans outsource crucial parts of digestion to the microbes inhabiting our guts, plants rely on a similar microbial network to produce hormones, process nutrients and fight off disease.
—Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
Oatmeal also contains lots of fiber, which is important for digestion.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2024
Turns out, even just a little bit of exercise can indeed help break up that bloated feeling: A post-meal stroll kick-starts digestion.
—Lizzy Briskin, SELF, 29 Mar. 2024
Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
The length list of ingredients allows consumers to get plenty of support in their gut, their digestion, and any other part of the body that can impact it.
—Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The microbiome consists of trillions of living bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes inside your gut that play essential roles in digestion, immune system regulation and overall health.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
Laxative Supplements These work to increase intestinal motility (an essential part of digestion), alter stool form, and/or increase stool frequency.3
Osmotic laxatives: Draw water into the colon, which can help to hydrate (soften) stool and speed up emptying time.
—Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024
Nuts and seeds might cause painful digestion and bowel movements if your body does not break them down well enough.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Much as humans outsource crucial parts of digestion to the microbes inhabiting our guts, plants rely on a similar microbial network to produce hormones, process nutrients and fight off disease.
—Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
Oatmeal also contains lots of fiber, which is important for digestion.
—Anna Bader, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2024
Turns out, even just a little bit of exercise can indeed help break up that bloated feeling: A post-meal stroll kick-starts digestion.
—Lizzy Briskin, SELF, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'digestion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near digestion
Cite this Entry
“Digestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digestion. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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