■ verb dʌɪ'dʒɛst , dɪ-
1》 break down (food) in the stomach and intestines into substances that can be used by the body.
2》 Chemistry treat (a substance) with heat, enzymes, or a solvent in order to break it down.
3》 understand or assimilate (information) by reflection.
4》 arrange in a systematic or convenient order, especially by reduction.
■ noun 'dʌɪdʒɛst
1》 a compilation or summary of information.
↘a methodical summary of a body of laws.
↘( the Digest ) the compendium of Roman law compiled in the reign of the emperor Justinian.
2》 Chemistry a substance or mixture obtained by ~ion.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ibility noun
~ible adjective
Origin
ME: from L. ~- , digerere 'distribute, dissolve, ~'; the noun is from L. ~a 'matters methodically arranged'.