nutrient

American  

[noo-tree-uhnt, nyoo-] / ˈnu tri ənt, ˈnyu- /

adjective

1. nourishing; nourishing; providing nourishment or nutriment.

2. containing or conveying nutriment, as solutions or vessels of the body.

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noun

1. a nutrient substance.

nutrient British  

/ ˈnjuːtrɪənt /

noun

1. any of the mineral substances that are absorbed by the roots of plants for nourishment

2. any substance that nourishes an organism

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adjective

1. providing or contributing to nourishment

   a nutrient solution

nutrient Scientific  

/ no̅o̅′trē-ənt /

1. A substance that provides nourishment for growth or metabolism. Plants absorb nutrients mainly from the soil in the form of minerals and other inorganic compounds, and animals obtain nutrients from ingested foods.

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Other Word Forms

• nonnutrient adjective

Etymology

Origin of nutrient

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin nūtrient-, stem of nūtriēns “feeding,” present participle of nūtrīre “to feed”; nourish

Example Sentences

They are relied upon by farmers to give crops the nutrients they need to grow enough food, and the Middle East is a major producer of key fertiliser ingredients.

From BBC

When the pressure is released, it draws fluid back in, bringing nutrients and natural lubricants with it.

From Science Daily

This temporary scaffold allows immune and repair cells to move in while delivering nutrients.

From Science Daily

These microscopic organisms help control bacterial populations, support nutrient cycling, and serve as indicators of soil health.

From Science Daily

The fungi, known as mycorrhizal, form partnerships with tree roots and act as underground support networks, helping trees access nutrients and water in exchange for carbon.

From BBC

Related Words

• fiber
• food
• mineral
• vitamin