Refection

WORD OF THE DAY

refection / noun / rih-FEK-shun

Definition

1a: refreshment of mind, spirit, or body; especially 

1b: nourishment

2a: the taking of refreshment

2b: food and drink together 

2c: repast

Did You Know?

Whether you sit down for nourishment or sustenance, aliment or pabulum, a meal or a repast, you are unlikely to encounter a shortage of English words for food or the partaking of food. 

Refection is just such a word. It was first borrowed by Middle English (as refeccioun) from Anglo-French refectiun, which in turn was derived from Latin refectio (meaning "refreshment" or "repairing"). 

Refectiocomes from the verb reficere ("to remake, renew, or restore"), a combination of the prefix re- ("again") and the verb facere ("to make or do"). Refection is not only applied to food, however. It has been used to describe many means of restoring or refreshing one's body, and of mental and spiritual sustenance as well.

Examples

"… I should prefer that even in the 'Children's Houses' which are situated in tenements and from which little ones, being at home, can go up to eat with the family, school refectionshould be instituted." 

— Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method, 1912

"The transparency of the venue is a testament to its promise of offering 'fresh and healthy' choices—being able to intimately view the process of preparation and see the fresh ingredients used to concoct your food will make you feel reassured that you'll be biting into a crisp, original, unprocessed refection." 

— Vasudha Diojode, The Daily Californian(University of California, Berkeley), 19 June 2014