digest

digest [dī′jest΄; ] for v. [ di jest′, dījest′]

n.

[ME < L digesta (in LL, a collection of writings), orig. pl. of digestus, pp. of digerere, to separate, explain < di-, apart + gerere, to bear, carry]

1. a condensed but comprehensive account of a body of information; summary or synopsis, as of scientific, legal, or literary material

2. a book, periodical, etc. consisting chiefly of such summaries or synopses or of articles condensed from other publications

3. [D-] [often pl.] Rom. Law the Pandects of the Emperor Justinian

vt.

[ME digesten < L digestus: see DIGEST the n.]

1.

a) to arrange or classify systematically, usually in condensed form

b) to condense (a piece of writing) by briefly summarizing its contents

2. to change (food), esp. in the mouth, stomach, and intestines by the action of gastric and intestinal juices, enzymes, and bacteria, into a form that can be absorbed by the body

3. to aid the digestion of (food)

4. to think over and absorb

5. to soften, disintegrate, etc. by the use of heat, usually together with water or other liquid

vi.

1. to be digested

2. to digest food

SYN.- ABRIDGMENT