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Indigestible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indigestible

[ˌɪn.dɪˈdʒɛs.tɪ.bəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food quality

Indigestible refers to substances that cannot be easily broken down or processed by the digestive system. Foods that are indigestible may cause discomfort or flatulence as they ferment in the gut. Common examples include certain fibers and complex carbohydrates.

Synonyms

hard to digest, tough, unassimilable.

Examples of usage

  • The beans were indigestible for some guests.
  • High-fiber diets may include indigestible components.
  • Some people find certain vegetables indigestible.

Translations

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Origin of 'indigestible'

The word 'indigestible' is derived from the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', combined with 'digestible', which itself comes from the Latin 'digestibilis', meaning 'that can be digested'. The root 'digest' traces back to the Latin 'digestus', a past participle of 'digerere', which means 'to separate, arrange, or put in order'. Therefore, 'indigestible' literally conveys the idea of something that cannot be properly separated or processed by the body. The term has been in use since at least the 19th century and has primarily been utilized in medical and dietary contexts to describe foods that may lead to gastrointestinal distress.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,351, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.