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