indigestible

[ in-di-jes-tuh-buhl, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. not digestible; not easily digested.

indigestible

/ ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛstəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being digested or difficult to digest
2. difficult to understand or absorb mentally

   an indigestible book

Derived Forms

• ˌindiˈgestibly, adverb
• ˌindiˌgestiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• indi·gesti·bili·ty indi·gesti·ble·ness noun
• indi·gesti·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigestible¹

From the Late Latin word indīgestibilis, dating back to 1520–30. See in- ³, digestible

Example Sentences

With their high concentrations of indigestible oils and waxes, these fish are not suitable for human consumption.

From National Geographic

Fiber is used as an umbrella term for indigestible plant polysaccharides, so there are many different types with varying fermentability, solubility and viscosity in the gut.

From Salon

This key genetic factor preferentially enhances the utilization of arabinan -- a common constituent of plant polysaccharides, an indigestible fiber for humans, and a poorly accessible source of nutrients for normal gut microbes.

From Science Daily

These indigestible dietary fibres are found in plant-derived foods such as onions, leeks, artichokes, wheat, bananas, and in high concentrations in chicory root.

From Science Daily

Ukraine would prove to be an indigestible “porcupine,” U.S. officials predicted, drawing on the United States’ own bitter experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From Washington Post