nutritional yeast

[ noo-trish-uh-nl yeest, nyoo- ]

noun

1. dried yeast of the genus Saccharomyces, sold in the form of granules or flakes, having a cheesy or nutty flavor, and providing complete protein and other nutrients: used for seasoning, but not as a leavening agent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutritional yeast¹

First recorded in 1940–45; the variant form was first recorded in 1955–60 and developed by shortening and facetious respelling of nutritional