macronutrient

noun

mac·​ro·​nu·​tri·​ent ˌma-krō-ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce macronutrient (audio)
-ˈnyü-
: a chemical element or substance (such as potassium or protein) that is essential in relatively large amounts to the growth and health of a living organism compare micronutrient

Examples of macronutrient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Restrictive diets are a way of eating that reduces calories to below someone’s energy needs and/or limits the macronutrients or food groups a person eats, said Jennifer Rollin, founder of The Eating Disorder Center in Rockville, Maryland. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024 The primary or macronutrients that are essential for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK). Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024 Opting for a protein-dense cooking liquid rather than water is one quick way to increase the macronutrient without really changing its flavor or how it’s prepped. Audrey Bruno, SELF, 1 Apr. 2024 Each macronutrient is measured in grams, but the calories per gram aren't the same. Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024 There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024 Fats are macronutrients, or nutrients your body needs in large amounts. Selene Yeager, Health, 24 Feb. 2024 All of that’s important, since protein is a critical macronutrient that some people may struggle to get enough of, Dr. Titchenal says. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024 Here’s what experts had to say about how these macronutrients affect your body and the best nutrition practices both pre- and post-workout. Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Health, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macronutrient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

macro- + nutrient entry 2

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macronutrient was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near macronutrient

Cite this Entry

“Macronutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macronutrient. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

macronutrient

noun
mac·​ro·​nu·​tri·​ent -ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce macronutrient (audio)
: a substance (as a protein, carbohydrate, or fat) required in relatively large quantities for growth, energy, and health compare micronutrient

More from Merriam-Webster on macronutrient

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