nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
ˈnyü-
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2

noun

: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Most frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.Robert Lee Smith
Sandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.Sunset

Examples of nutrient in a Sentence

Adjective a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins Noun Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients. The soil is low in nutrients. You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
However, their taste, texture, and nutrient profiles differ due to their production methods. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 29 Oct. 2024 Behl said the diatomite tells him that the area was nutrient rich with algae that supported a complex ecosystem including dolphins, fish and whales that crowded the area for food. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Noun
Those select few that have been approved have a hard time distinguishing between toxic metals and essential nutrients. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Chlorosis causes leaves to turn yellow while remaining green along the veins and is the result of improper soil pH. When planted in neutral or alkaline soil, camellias cannot take up adequate nutrients. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nutrient 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin nutrient-, nutriens, present participle of nutrire to nourish — more at nourish

First Known Use

Adjective

1650, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrient was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near nutrient

Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient

Medical Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient

More from Merriam-Webster on nutrient

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