Main Entry:

food

Pronunciation:

\ˈfüd\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Latin panis bread, pascere to feed

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy ; also : such food together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments) b: inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution2: nutriment in solid form3: something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies <food for thought>

— food·less \-ləs\ adjective

— food·less·ness noun