digestion

noun7

1. •
   The process, in the gastrointestinal tract, by which food is converted into substances that can be used by the body.

   • In the dead state all is apparently without motion. No agent within indicates design, intelligence, or foresight: there is no respiration; no digestion, circulation, or nutrition; […] — 1822
2. •
   The result of this process.
3. •
   The ability to use this process.
4. •
   The assimilation and understanding of ideas.
5. •
   The processing of decay in organic matter assisted by microorganisms.
6. •
   Dissolution of a sample into a solution by means of adding acid and heat.
7. •
   (no longer used) Generation of pus; suppuration.