consumption

[ kuhn-suhmp-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of consuming, as by use, decay, or destruction.

   Synonyms: utilization, depletion, exploitation

2. the amount consumed:

   the high consumption of gasoline.

3. Economics. the using up of goods and services having an exchangeable value.
4. Pathology.
   1. Older Use. tuberculosis of the lungs.
   2. progressive wasting of the body.

consumption

/ kənˈsʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of consuming or the state of being consumed, esp by eating, burning, etc
2. economics expenditure on goods and services for final personal use
3. the quantity consumed
4. pathol a condition characterized by a wasting away of the tissues of the body, esp as seen in tuberculosis of the lungs

Other Words From

• noncon·sumption noun
• over·con·sumption noun
• precon·sumption noun
• self-con·sumption noun
• under·con·sumption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English consumpcyon, from Middle French, from Latin consūmptiōn-, stem of consūmptiō “employment, use, waste,” from consūmpt(us) “used up” (past participle of consūmere “to use up, waste”; consume ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

C14: from Latin consumptiō a wasting, from consūmere to consume

Example Sentences

The findings also showed that the cocoa drink high in flavanols was effective at preventing the decline in vascular function following stress and fat consumption.

From Science Daily

In the United States and globally, alcohol consumption is a major cause of preventable death and disability and increases liver disease, mental health disorders and accidents.

From Science Daily

Herbert wove a complicated universe with oddball technologies, bizarre competing factions and religions that are easier to digest over the methodical consumption of hundreds of pages.

From Salon

Governments are dismantling encampments — and some are willing to use the notwithstanding clause to circumvent court rulings on their actions — as well as banning supervised drug consumption sites near day-care centres and schools.

From Salon

He would welcome efforts to crack down on the amount of salt allowed in foods and to curtail consumption of added sugars, refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drinking
• expenditure
• utilization