noun
ingestion
in-JES-chun/ɪnˈdʒestʃən/
The taking of material into the body by swallowing.
Ingestion occurs as she swallows a spoonful of soup.
Etymology
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
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.
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.