Pronunciation: [da͡ɪd͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃən] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "digestion" is /dɪˈdʒɛs.tʃən/. Phonetically, the word begins with the sound "d" pronounced with a short "i" as in "dig", followed by the "j" sound, then "e" as in "bet". The "s" is pronounced as "s" and not "z". Finally, the word ends with "t" and "ion" pronounced as "shun". This word refers to the process of breaking down of food in the body which plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients.
Digestion is the intricate biological process by which the body converts food into useful nutrients, which are essential for growth, repair, and maintaining overall bodily functions. It begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach, intestines, and various organs involved in breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can absorb and utilize.
The process of digestion is divided into two main categories: mechanical and chemical digestion. Mechanical digestion involves the physical breakdown of food through chewing in the mouth and the contractions of muscles in the stomach and intestines. Chemical digestion, on the other hand, involves the use of enzymes and digestive juices to break down larger macromolecules into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.
Once the food is sufficiently broken down, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. Subsequently, the liver processes absorbed nutrients and distributes them to the rest of the body via the circulatory system.
Undigested waste products, along with water, fiber, and bacteria, move into the large intestine, where water is absorbed and the remaining waste material is formed into stool before being eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus.
Proper digestion is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, as it provides the body with the necessary energy and nutrients required for growth, repair, and functioning.
The process whereby the ingested food is converted into material suitable for assimilation with consequent upbuilding of the tissues or the liberation of energy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The changing of the food in the stomach into a substance called chyme, preparatory to its being fitted for circulation and nourishment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "digestion" comes from the Latin term "digestio", which is derived from the verb "digero". "Digero" is a combination of the prefix "di-" meaning "apart" or "asunder", and the verb "gero" meaning "to carry". Thus, "digestio" originally meant "to carry apart" or "to separate". In Latin, it specifically referred to the process of separating or breaking down food into nutrients in the stomach and intestines. From Latin, the term "digestio" was adopted into Middle English as "digestioun", which later evolved into the modern English word "digestion" with the same meaning.
