1. the process of decomposing organic matter (as in sewage) by bacteria or by chemical action or heat • Derivationally related forms: digest • Hypernyms: chemical process, chemical change, chemical action 2. the organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed into the body • Derivationally related forms: digest • Hypernyms: organic process, biological process • Hyponyms: gastric digestion 3. learning and coming to understand ideas and information - his appetite for facts was better than his digestion • Derivationally related forms: digest • Hypernyms: learning, acquisition