Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

digester

[dih-jes-ter, dahy-]
noun
  1. a person or thing that digests.
  2. Also digestor. Chemistry. an apparatus in which substances are softened or disintegrated by moisture, heat, chemical action, or the like.
Show More

Origin of digester

First recorded in 1570–80; digest + -er1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for digester

Historical Examples

  • As a digester, Maurice Levy would have disappointed a Borgia.

    Penrod

    Booth Tarkington

  • Professor Junichen recommends the use of the digester for the purpose of boiling meat and other food.

  • In 1761 he proceeded to experiment on the force of steam by means of a small Papin's digester and a syringe.

    Stories of Invention

    Edward E. Hale

  • A new discovery by a French doctor named Papin of a ‘digester’ for softening bones, caused much discussion at the Society.

    Sir Christopher Wren

    Lucy Phillimore

  • His action lasted so long that his digester was filled while his heart was freed of gall.

    The Hero of the People

    Alexandre Dumas

British Dictionary definitions for digester

digester

noun
  1. chem an apparatus or vessel, such as an autoclave, in which digestion is carried out
  2. a less common word for digestant
  3. a person or thing that digests
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012