CONSUMPTION


Meaning of CONSUMPTION in English

kənˈsəmpshən noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English consumpcioun, from Latin consumption-, consumptio, from consumptus (past participle of consumere to consume) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at consume

1.

a. : the act or action of consuming or destroying

the consumption of organic matter by fire

the consumption of an entire generation of young men in a war

b. : the wasting, using up, or wearing away of something

the slow consumption of a person's vitality

the consumption of a fortune

2. : the utilization of economic goods in the satisfaction of wants or in the process of production resulting in immediate destruction (as in the eating of foods), gradual wear and deterioration (as in the habitation of dwellings), no change aside from natural decay (as in the enjoyment of art objects), or transformation into other goods (as in manufacturing) — see conspicuous consumption

3.

a. : a progressive wasting away of the body ; especially : the disabling wasting stage of pulmonary tuberculosis characterized by great destruction of lung tissue and systemic toxemia

b. : tuberculosis — not used technically

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.