digest

[dih-jest, dahy-, dahy-jest]

verb (used with object)

1. to convert (food) in the alimentary canal into absorbable form for assimilation into the system.

2. to promote the digestion of (food).

3. to obtain information, ideas, or principles from; assimilate mentally.

   to digest a pamphlet on nuclear waste.

4. to arrange methodically in the mind; think over.

   to digest a plan.

   Synonyms: ponder, study, understand

5. to bear with patience; endure.

6. to arrange in convenient or methodical order; reduce to a system; classify.

   Synonyms: codify, systematize

7. to condense, abridge, or summarize.

8. Chemistry.,  to soften or disintegrate (a substance) by means of moisture, heat, chemical action, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to digest food.

2. to undergo digestion, as food.

noun

1. a collection or compendium, usually of literary, historical, legal, or scientific matter, especially when classified or condensed.

   Synonyms: abridgment, epitome

2. Law.

   1. a systematic abstract of some body of law.

   2. the Digest, a collection in fifty books of excerpts, especially from the writings of the Classical Roman jurists, compiled by order of Justinian in the 6th century a.d.; the Pandects.

3. Biochemistry.,  the product of the action of an enzyme on food or other organic material.

digest

¹

verb

1. to subject (food) to a process of digestion

2. (tr) to assimilate mentally

3. chem to soften or disintegrate or be softened or disintegrated by the action of heat, moisture, or chemicals; decompose

4. (tr) to arrange in a methodical or systematic order; classify

5. (tr) to reduce to a summary

6. archaic,  (tr) to tolerate

noun

1. a comprehensive and systematic compilation of information or material, often condensed

2. a magazine, periodical, etc, that summarizes news of current events

3. a compilation of rules of law based on decided cases

Digest

²

/ ˈdaɪdʒɛst /

noun

1. Roman law an arrangement of excerpts from the writings and opinions of eminent lawyers, contained in 50 books compiled by order of Justinian in the sixth century _ad

Other Word Forms

• digestedly adverb
• digestedness noun
• half-digested adjective
• nondigesting adjective
• overdigest verb
• redigest verb (used with object)
• semidigested adjective
• undigested adjective
• undigesting adjective
• well-digested adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of digest¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; (verb) Middle English digesten, from Latin dīgestus “separated, dissolved” (past participle of dīgerere ), equivalent to dī- di- ² + ges- “carry, bear” (base of gerere ) + -tus past participle suffix; (noun) Middle English: “collection of laws,” from Late Latin dīgesta (plural), Latin: “collection of writings,” neuter plural of dīgestus, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of digest¹

C14: from Late Latin dīgesta writings grouped under various heads, from Latin dīgerere to divide, from di- apart + gerere to bear

Synonym Study

See summary.

Example Sentences

Investors still digesting their turkey dinners have one more reason to be thankful: a great week for the stock market amid a brutal month.

Read more on Barron's

Markets continue to digest the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The spermine is like cheese that connects the long, thin noodles without gluing them together, making them easier to digest."

Read more on Science Daily

—Yields on U.K. government bonds were little changed in early trade as investors digest the fiscal measures outline in Wednesday’s budget announcement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And for households still trying to absorb the increases of the past five years, any inflation at all is hard to digest.

Read more on Barron's

When To Use

What does inventory mean?

An inventory is a complete list of all merchandise or stock of items owned by or available from a business.At a store, an inventory is the complete list of all items for sale at the store. At a manufacturer, an inventory is a complete list of all the raw materials they have, as well as finished items and items being created.An inventory is also the specific set of products to sell, as in The store’s inventory of superhero capes is running low and will probably sell out soon.An inventory can also refer to figurative belongings, such as a person’s personality traits and skills.To inventory means to add things to an inventory list, whether a literal or figurative list, as in I inventoried my options for colleges and chose the school I’ll attend next year.Example: Can you take inventory tonight so we can be ready for the rush tomorrow?