alimentary

American  

[al-uh-men-tuh-ree] / ˌæl əˈmɛn tə ri /

adjective

1. concerned with the function of nutrition; nutritive.

2. pertaining to food.

3. providing sustenance or maintenance.

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alimentary British  

/ -trɪ, ˌælɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to nutrition

2. providing sustenance or nourishment

3. Scots law free from the claims of creditors

   an alimentary trust

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unalimentary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of alimentary

From the Latin word alimentārius, dating back to 1605–15. See aliment, -ary

Explanation

Use the adjective alimentary to describe something that provides nourishment, like an alimentary meal of vegetable soup and whole-grain bread. Alimentary comes from the Latin word alimentum which means "nourishment." If something nourishes you, it helps you thrive and even grow stronger. So, alimentary foods are those that offer good nutrition to keep you going, like a bowl of oatmeal with walnuts and raisins. Not alimentary? A chocolate donut — though it may be delicious.