cibation

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In alchemy, the act of adding to the matter in preparation fresh substances, to supply the waste of evaporation, etc.: the seventh process in alchemy.
2. n. In physiology, the act of taking food, particularly the more solid kinds.
3. n. Any chemical operation that gives a substance consistency and solidity.

Wiktionary

1. n. obsolete The act of taking food.
2. n. obsolete, alchemy The operation of feeding the contents of the crucible with fresh material.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. The act of taking food.
2. n. (Alchemy) The process or operation of feeding the contents of the crucible with fresh material.