consumption

Everyday

1. The amount of something that is used up, such as energy, water or food (fuel consumption). tree →
2. The act of eating, drinking or using something. tree →
3. Buying and using goods and services (consumer spending). tree →
4. (old) An old name for tuberculosis (TB), a lung disease. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography: energy consumption, water consumption per person. In maths: consumption rates, like litres per 100 km or units per day. Formal exam voice: «not fit for human consumption». In history: «she died of consumption» in old stories.

Examples

• Our water consumption goes up in summer. tree →
• The car has low fuel consumption. tree →
• This food is not fit for human consumption. tree →
• Turning off lights cuts electricity consumption. tree →
• Sugar consumption has risen. tree →
• In the old novel, the girl was ill with consumption. tree →

Note

Verb: consume. Uncountable. In maths, consumption is a rate: amount used per time or per distance; to find total, multiply rate by time.

In Jewish tradition

Here it is a wasting disease, one of the punishments warned of if Israel breaks the covenant.

Interpretation. The tradition reads these curses as a warning that follows the blessings, meant to turn people back to the Torah's way.

Examples

• The LORD will smite thee with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with drought, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish. (Torah DEU.28.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb: consume. Uncountable. In maths, consumption is a rate: amount used per time or per distance; to find total, multiply rate by time.