nutrition

[ noo-trish-uhn, nyoo- ]

See synonyms for: nutrition nutritional on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of nourishing or of being nourished; the use of food for life, health, and growth: Our program helps families learn about nutrition and make the most of their food budget.
Biology. the process by which organisms take in and utilize food material: Most animals have holozoic nutrition—they take in whole food and then digest it into smaller particles.

food or nutriment; any substance used or needed for nourishment: Billions of people rely on seafood for essential nutrition.The chart shows nutrition information for each menu item, including fat, protein, and so on.
the science or study of, or a course of study in, nutrition, especially of humans:She has a master's degree in nutrition from the University of Oslo.
the pursuit of this science as an occupation or profession: She now runs a consultancy specializing in naturopathy and nutrition.

Origin of nutrition

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin nūtrītiōn- (stem of nūtrītiō ) “a feeding,” equivalent to Latin nūtrīt(us) (past participle of nūtrīre “to feed”; see nourish) + -iōn- -ion

Other words from nutrition

nu·tri·tion·al, nu·tri·tion·ar·y, adjective
nu·tri·tion·al·ly, adverb
hy·per·nu·tri·tion, noun
su·per·nu·tri·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nutrition in a sentence

McDonalds wanted universal nutritional restaurant menu labeling.
Up to a Point: In Defense of Lobbyists | P. J. O’Rourke | October 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But wait, which products in this grocery aisle support “nutritional labels for your conscience”?
The Awful Apps That Let You Vote With Your Wallet | Tim Mak | August 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Too often, nowadays, jazz is marketed as though it were a kind of nutritional supplement.
Jazz (The Music of Coffee and Donuts) Has Respect, But It Needs Love | Ted Gioia | June 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In the ad, they cite an article published by several Norwegian scientists in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.
No, PETA, Cow Milk Does Not Cause Autism | Kent Sepkowitz | May 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
House Republicans propose using tons of highly nutritional toasted wheat to replace food-stamp program in new Farm Bill.
P.J. O’Rourke on Pot, Putin, and Polygamy | P. J. O’Rourke | January 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

So milk serves a therapeutic as well as a nutritional purpose.
Psychotherapy | James J. Walsh
Once cleft palates were frequent—prenatal nutritional deficiencies or traumas.
Accidental Flight | Floyd L. Wallace
The nutritional defects may appear chiefly in the walls of the blood vessels and lymphatics.
Degeneracy | Eugene S. Talbot
In the first the nutritional portions were treated, because they are so likely to become putrefied.
Old-Time Makers of Medicine | James J. Walsh
Of the orders containing bread the fractional part of the nutritional energy of the order from this source averaged 43.7 per cent.
How to Live | Irving Fisher and Eugene Fisk

British Dictionary definitions for nutrition

nutrition

/ (njuːˈtrɪʃən) /

noun

a process in animals and plants involving the intake of nutrient materials and their subsequent assimilation into the tissues: Related adjectives: alimentary, trophic
the act or process of nourishing

the study of nutrition, esp in humans

Origin of nutrition

C16: from Late Latin nūtrītiō, from nūtrīre to nourish

Derived forms of nutrition

nutritional or rare nutritionary, adjective
nutritionally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for nutrition

nutrition

[ nōō-trĭsh′ən ]

The process by which living organisms obtain food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. The stages of nutrition include ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, assimilation, and excretion.
The scientific study of food and nourishment, including food composition, dietary guidelines, and the roles that various nutrients have in maintaining health.

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