macronutrient

American  

[mak-roh-noo-tree-uhnt, -nyoo-] / ˌmæk roʊˈnu tri ənt, -ˈnyu- /

noun

1. Nutrition. any of the nutritional components of the diet that are required in relatively large amounts: protein, carbohydrate, fat, and the macrominerals.

2. Botany. any of the three chemical elements required by plants in relatively large amounts: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

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macronutrient British  

/ ˌmækrəʊˈnjuːtrɪənt /

noun

1. any substance, such as carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen, that is required in large amounts for healthy growth and development

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Etymology

Origin of macronutrient

First recorded in 1940–45; macro- + nutrient

Example Sentences

"If you're not consuming a lot of fiber, you're possibly consuming calories from other macronutrient groups, and they may be high in carbohydrates or fats, which can lead to weight gain," Lee said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

But it’s slated to face some competition from yet another macronutrient.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

Had I been a member, I might have met with a Love.Life nutritionist next, to configure my caloric and macronutrient needs to support weight loss or exercise performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

It would need to compare a large number of people on two diets – one high in UPFs and one low in UPFs, but matched exactly for calorie and macronutrient content.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2024

The research goes on to provide recommendations to patients and caregivers on healthy eating patterns consistent with the energy and macronutrient guidelines and includes an online calculator.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2024