Definition of digest

The word "digest" has its roots in Latin, where it was spelled "digestum." This term referred to a summary or condensation of a written work, often a lengthy one, into a shorter and more concise form. The Latin "digestum" is derived from the verb "digestus," which means "sorted out" or "parsed." As the word evolved, it began to take on additional meanings. In the Middle Ages, "digest" referred to a summary or abridgment of a book or text, often made for educational purposes. The term was also used in the context of law, where a "digest" was a collection of laws and cases summarized and codified for reference. In the 17th century, the term "digest" began to be used in the context of food and nutrition, referring to the process of breaking down and processing food by the body. Today, the word "digest" has taken on a range of meanings, including both the scientific process of digestion and the broader concept of summarizing or condensing information.