nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt 

ˈnyü-

: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2

noun

: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life

Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.

—Mayo Clinic Health Letter

Most frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.

—Robert Lee Smith

Sandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.

—Sunset

Synonyms of nutrient

Adjective

• nutritional
• nutritive

Examples of nutrient in a Sentence

Adjective

a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins

Noun

Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients.

The soil is low in nutrients.

You need more nutrients in your diet.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At the same time, their life expectancies were much shorter than the life expectancies these days, and their lives certainly had more nutrient-deficient conditions. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Many people prefer whole-wheat pasta to increase their fiber intake, support digestive and heart health, and improve the overall nutrient quality of their diet, rather than focusing primarily on protein. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026

Noun

Many species also act as natural scavengers, feeding on dead insects and animal remains, which helps recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026

In both cases, one of their most valuable nutrients is monounsaturated fat, particularly oleic acid. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin nutrient-, nutriens, present participle of nutrire to nourish — more at nourish

First Known Use

Adjective

1650, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nutrient

• micronutrient

Kids Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 

: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun

: a nutrient substance or ingredient

Medical Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 

: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun

: a nutritive substance or ingredient