coction

noun

coc·​tion
ˈkäkshən
plural -s
1
archaic : the act or process of attaining a more perfect, more mature, or more desirable condition either through natural processes or by the intervention of foreign agents (as heat)
specifically : digestion of food
2
archaic : suppuration conceived of especially by humoralists as a stage in the normal process of wound healing or as a phase in the development of any disease

Word History

Etymology

Latin coction-, coctio cooking, digestion, from coctus + -ion-, -io -ion

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near coction

Cite this Entry

“Coction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coction. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!