-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

ingestion

in-JES-chun/ɪnˈdʒestʃən/

The taking of material into the body by swallowing.

Ingestion occurs as she swallows a spoonful of soup.

A close three-quarter view of a woman actively taking a spoonful of food into her mouth, with the spoon bowl crossing her lips and a small bowl of soup held below.

Etymology

inLatinin, into, on, upon

+gestLatincarry, bear, or carry on

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The pieces express an act of carrying or putting something in. The underlying verb also meant “pour in,” connecting the general inward movement to taking food, drink, or other substances into the body.

In context

CrashCourse6:10

First, of course, you’ve got to introduce the food to your digestive system. What you know as eating, or ingestion, is basically just creating a bulk flow of nutrients from the outside world into your tissues.

Digestive System, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #33

More examples

Accidental ingestion of a small battery can cause serious injury.
The label warns against ingestion of the cleaning liquid.
Ingestion of contaminated water can make you sick.

Forms

ingestion

ingest verb — To take material into the body by swallowing.

Similar words

swallowing: Names the physical act of moving material down the throat.
consumption: Usually refers to eating or drinking, especially amounts used.
intake: Often emphasizes the amount taken in rather than the act.