: 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
Mayo Clinic Health LetterMost 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
Robert Lee SmithSandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.—Sunset
SunsetExamples 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
Lauren Mallers
updated July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
Coordinated cleanup and reduction of nutrient runoff near West Africa and the Amazon—significant Sargassum points of origin—are some of the important steps needed to contain this growing threat.
—Marc Benioff, Time, 24 June 2025
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
In the digestive system, beneficial bacteria help absorb nutrients, support digestion and the immune system, and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.2
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and medications used to treat GERD can upset the balance of beneficial bacteria.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
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Adjective
The most effective way to meet these micronutrient needs is through nutrient-dense whole foods.
—Lauren Mallers
updated July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2025
Coordinated cleanup and reduction of nutrient runoff near West Africa and the Amazon—significant Sargassum points of origin—are some of the important steps needed to contain this growing threat.
—Marc Benioff, Time, 24 June 2025
Noun
Strokes occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
In the digestive system, beneficial bacteria help absorb nutrients, support digestion and the immune system, and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.2
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and medications used to treat GERD can upset the balance of beneficial bacteria.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nutrient
Cite this Entry
“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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