eatit; eɪt; esp. Brit. ɛt; ˈit n(v.)ate; eat•eneat•ing

1. (v.t.)to take into the mouth and swallow for nourishment; chew and swallow (food).

   Category: Physiology

2. to consume gradually; wear away; corrode.

3. to use up, esp. wastefully (often fol. by away, into, or up):

   Unexpected expenses ate up their savings.

   Category: Common Vocabulary

4. to make (a hole, passage, etc.), as by gnawing or corrosion.

5. to ravage or devastate.

6. to absorb or pay for:

   The builder had to eat the cost of the repairs.

   Category:

7. to cause anxiety or irritation in; worry; bother:

   What's eating you now?

   Category: Common Vocabulary

8. (v.i.)to consume food; have a meal.

9. to make a way, as by gnawing or corrosion:

   Acid ate through the linoleum.

10. eat in, to eat or dine at home.

    Category: Verb Phrase

11. eat out, to have a meal at a restaurant rather than at home.

    Category: Verb Phrase

12. eat up, to consume wholly. to show enthusiasm for; take pleasure in. to believe without question.

    Category: Verb Phrase

13. (n.)eats,Informal. food.

    Category: Informal

Origin of eat:

bef. 900; ME; OE etan

eat′er(n.)