v.
/
dʌɪˈdʒɛst,
dɪ-/
- break down (food) in the stomach and intestines into substances that can be used by the body.
- Chemistry treat (a substance) with heat, enzymes, or a solvent in order to break it down.
- understand or assimilate (information) by reflection.
- arrange in a systematic or convenient order, especially by reduction.
n.
/
ˈdʌɪdʒɛst/
- a compilation or summary of information.
▸a methodical summary of a body of laws.
▸
(the Digest)
the compendium of Roman law compiled in the reign of the emperor Justinian.
- Chemistry a substance or mixture obtained by digestion.
Derivative
- digester n.
- digestibility n.
- digestible adj.
Etymology
ME: from L. digest-, digerere ‘distribute, dissolve, digest’; the noun is from L. digesta ‘matters methodically arranged’.