Main Entry:: con·sume
Pronunciation:: \kən-ˈsüm\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: con·sumed; con·sum·ing
Etymology:: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French consumer, from Latin consumere, from com- + sumere to take up, take, from sub- up + emere to take — more at sub-, redeem
Date:: 14th century

transitive verb1: to do away with completely : destroy <fire consumed several buildings>2 a: to spend wastefully : squander b: use up <writing consumed much of his time>3 a: to eat or drink especially in great quantity <consumed several bags of pretzels> b: to enjoy avidly : devour <mysteries, which she consumes for fun — E. R. Lipson>4: to engage fully : engross <consumed with curiosity>5: to utilize as a customer <consume goods and services>intransitive verb1: to waste or burn away : perish2: to utilize economic goods

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