/keuhn sump"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act of consuming, as by use, decay, or destruction.
2. the amount consumed: the high consumption of gasoline.
3. Econ. the using up of goods and services having an exchangeable value.
4. Pathol.
a. Older Use. tuberculosis of the lungs.
b. progressive wasting of the body.
[ 1350-1400; ME consumpcyon ( consumption- (s. of consumptio ) a consuming, wasting, equiv. to consumpt ( us ), ptp. of consumere to CONSUME ( con- CON- + sump- (var. s. of sumere to take up, spend) + -tus ptp. suffix) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 1. depletion, exploitation, utilization.