English Reference
verb · noun

digest

v. · n.
US /ˈdaɪdʒɛst/ di·gest UK spelling digested, digesting, digests

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    v.to break down food in your stomach so your body can use it.

    v.to break down food in the alimentary canal into substances that can be absorbed and used by the body.

    Simple

    It takes a few hours for your body to digest a heavy meal.

    In context

    The human body requires specific enzymes to efficiently digest complex proteins and convert them into usable amino acids.

    Usage

    Often used as a transitive verb taking a food item as the object.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to think about new information carefully so that you fully understand it.

    v.to assimilate or mentally process information, typically requiring time for full comprehension.

    Simple

    I need some time to digest all the facts before I make a decision.

    In context

    The board members asked for a week to digest the lengthy proposal before reconvening for a final vote.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    v.to heat something slowly in a liquid for a chemical process.

    v.to treat a substance with heat, enzymes, or a solvent to promote decomposition or extract essential components.

    Simple

    The lab technician had to digest the sample in acid before testing it.

    In context

    The protocol requires the researcher to digest the organic matter in a concentrated solution for twelve hours to ensure complete breakdown.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a short piece of writing that gives the most important information from a longer book or report.

    n.a compilation or summary of material, such as laws, news, or articles, arranged systematically for quick reference.

    Simple

    The weekly news digest helps me stay informed without reading every newspaper.

    In context

    The legal firm published a monthly digest of recent court rulings to keep its clients updated on changes in property law.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    n.a short code created by a computer to represent a larger file.

    n.a fixed-length value generated by a hash function to represent a message or data set, used for security and verification.

    Simple

    The system compares the message digest to ensure the file was not changed.

    In context

    Cryptographic protocols use a message digest to verify the integrity of data transmitted over insecure networks.

    checksumhash

Scientific attention to the microbiome has helped us understand how many of them support our health , for example, by helping us digest food or supporting our immune system.

Phys.org· 2 Sept 2026

The researchers also investigated genes involved in digesting the chitin found in insect exoskeletons.

ScienceDaily· 27 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated