Indigested: meaning, definitions and examples

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indigested

 

[ ɪnˈdɪdʒ.ɛs.tɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Indigested refers to food that has not been properly broken down or processed by the digestive system. This can lead to discomfort, bloating, or other gastrointestinal issues.

Synonyms

improperly processed, raw, undigested

Examples of usage

  • She felt bloated after eating because her meal was indigested.
  • Indigested food can cause stomach aches and irritation.
  • Many people experience indigested meals after consuming rich or fatty foods.

Etymology

The word 'indigested' is derived from the Latin word 'indigestus', which combines 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'digestus', the past participle of 'digestere', meaning 'to break down'. This Latin term illustrates the process of food being separated or decomposed into absorbable nutrients. The use of 'indigested' in the English language dates back to the early 17th century, reflecting concerns around digestion and various ailments related to improper food processing. As understanding of human anatomy and nutrition evolved, so did the terms related to digestion, and 'indigested' has since been used primarily in medical contexts to describe issues arising from the failure of the digestive system to process food adequately.