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

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

The largest dead zone in America occurs every summer, when nutrient pollution from the Mississippi River Basin enters the Gulf of America and creates a dead zone of about 4,300-6,500 square miles. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

This can lead to fatigue, hair loss, and nutrient deficiencies. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Noun

Coconut water and electrolyte drinks (sports drinks) contain water and nutrients essential for hydration and electrolyte balance. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025

Fiber is an indigestible nutrient that's concentrated in most plant foods. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 July 2025

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