Ingest: meaning, definitions and examples

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ingest

 

[ɪnˈdʒest ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to consume

To take food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it.

Synonyms

absorb, consume, swallow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingest

Primarily used in scientific, medical, or formal contexts to describe the act of taking food or other substances into the body, usually through the mouth.

  • The patient needs to ingest the medication with water
  • Certain animals ingest toxic plants without adverse effects
consume

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of eating or drinking. It can also refer to using up resources or energy.

  • He tends to consume a lot of junk food
  • The car consumes a lot of fuel on long trips
absorb

Used when talking about the body's ability to take in nutrients, liquids, or other substances. It can also refer to the way a material takes in liquid, energy, or information.

  • The body absorbs vitamins from the food we eat
  • This sponge can absorb a large amount of liquid
swallow

Ordinarily used to refer to the physical act of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Can also be used metaphorically to mean accepting something difficult or unpleasant.

  • She had to swallow a big pill
  • He had to swallow his pride and apologize

Examples of usage

  • I need to ingest more fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
  • She ingested a large amount of caffeine before the exam.
Context #2 | Verb

to process data

To take information into the mind, especially and process it in some way.

Synonyms

absorb, assimilate, process.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ingest

Used when referring to taking food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it. Generally used in scientific or medical contexts.

  • The patient was instructed not to ingest any food before the surgery
  • It's important to ingest enough water daily
process

This word is used when talking about a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. It's often used in technical, computer science, or psychological contexts.

  • The machine can process 100 applications per hour
  • He needs some time to process the news
assimilate

Often used when speaking about the process of fully understanding information or adapting to a new culture or environment. It implies a deeper integration and comprehension.

  • She found it difficult to assimilate all the details of the complex theory
  • Immigrants often struggle to assimilate into their new societies
absorb

Commonly used to describe the act of taking in a liquid, gas, or other substance. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about taking in information or experiences.

  • The sponge can absorb a lot of water
  • The student was able to absorb all the new information quickly

Examples of usage

  • The computer system can ingest vast amounts of data for analysis.
  • It's important to ingest the feedback from customers to improve our services.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ingerere,' meaning 'to bring in' or 'to carry in.'
  • The prefix 'in-' denotes 'into,' and 'gest' is derived from 'gerere,' meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear.'
  • It evolved into Middle English as 'ingesten' before becoming the modern form.

Science

  • Ingesting food is the first step in the digestive process, where enzymes begin breaking down what you've eaten.
  • Different species have unique ingestion methods; for instance, some birds swallow stones to help grind up food in their gizzards.
  • Toxic substances can also be ingested accidentally, which is why identifying safe foods is crucial for health.

Health

  • The act of ingesting is closely related to metabolism, which is how the body processes food into energy.
  • Malabsorption disorders affect how well nutrients are ingested and utilized by the body, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
  • Healthcare professionals often discuss ingestion in relation to medication, emphasizing the importance of following prescribed methods.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have unique rituals surrounding ingestion, from blessings before meals to communal eating practices.
  • Ingesting food can symbolize hospitality—offering food to guests is a common way to show kindness and welcome.
  • Social gatherings often center around food ingestion, creating a bonding experience among friends and family.

Literature

  • The concept of ingesting can be metaphorically explored in literature, where consuming ideas can symbolize knowledge acquisition.
  • Various works discuss the themes of consumption leading to consequences, such as greed or enlightenment, making ingestion a powerful symbol.
  • Authors often describe characters' physical ingestion as a reflection of their emotional states, demonstrating the link between food and feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "ingest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ingerir

🇮🇳 अवशोषित करना

🇩🇪 einnehmen

🇮🇩 menelan

🇺🇦 споживати

🇵🇱 spożywać

🇯🇵 摂取する (せっしゅする)

🇫🇷 ingérer

🇪🇸 ingerir

🇹🇷 tüketmek

🇰🇷 섭취하다

🇸🇦 ابتلع

🇨🇿 požít

🇸🇰 požiť

🇨🇳 摄取 (shèqǔ)

🇸🇮 zaužiti

🇮🇸 neyta

🇰🇿 жұту

🇬🇪 მიღება

🇦🇿 udmaq

🇲🇽 ingerir

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,627, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.