nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
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

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
Their hair may be growing—but it could be related to supplementing for nutrient deficiencies. Kathleen Felton, Health, 3 Jan. 2024 The team also conducted a meta-analysis based on the three separate studies, with non-overlapping participants, and similarly found that taking a multivitamin showed benefits for memory and cognition, which could help nutrient deficient seniors. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2024 The county believes the ordinance is an effective way to curb nutrient pollution from entering waterways like Tampa Bay, Fabrizio said. Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024 This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut that are important for nutrient absorption and immune function. Mandy Conrad, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024 Other studies say umami may also improve nutrient digestion. Colby Teeman, Assistant Professor Of Dietetics and Nutrition, University Of Dayton, Fortune Well, 21 Oct. 2023 The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies. Anthea Levi, Health, 13 Dec. 2023 And because nutrient deficiencies contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, those with especially restrictive diets—or who struggle to get enough nutrients in their day to day regimen—may want to consider supplements for optimal hair health. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2023 Of note is the severity of nutrient pollution, namely the overabundance of phosphorus and nitrogen in Earth’s waters. Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023
Noun
Those formulations may alter the taste or extend shelf life, but those foods lack the necessary whole grains, fiber, nutrients, and fruits that experts recommend. Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024 Whole grains are grains that keep intact the bran and germ, which each contain tons of essential nutrients. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 But there are differences between these nutrients, too. Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 The fungus is a saprotrophic decomposer, a mushroom that typically gets its nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter — but a 2023 study found the mushroom could evolve to thrive on living plants as well. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 And treatments, such as adding nutrients to the soil, managing diseases and insects and installing flexible cables to support the tree where the trunk split would reduce its risk of breaking. Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 The product is creamy and wild rice provides a wealth of nutrients and minerals that white rice doesn’t have. Nick Siano, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2024 Currently, Americans get plenty of niacin from their diet since flour, grains and cereals have been fortified with niacin since the 1940s after scientists discovered that very low levels of the nutrient could lead to a potentially fatal condition called pellagra, Hazen said. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 The nutrient, in appropriate amounts, is vital to human health—from energy production to bone strength to blood pressure regulation. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nutrient.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrient was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near nutrient

Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient

More from Merriam-Webster on nutrient

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