Definition:

1. The act of consuming by use, waste, dissipation, and decay; destruction 2. The state of being wasted or diminished; waste; diminution; loss 3. A gradual decay or diminution of the body; especially the disease called phthisis pulmonalis (pulmonary consumption), a disease seated in the lungs, attended with a hectic fever, cough etc

Alternate Spellings and Forms:

consume, consumes, consumed