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
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 Some have called avocados a perfect food thanks to their balance of healthy fats, calories, and nutrient denseness. Nicole Harris, Parents, 31 Aug. 2023 Adding organic matter to the soil loosens it, increases nutrient and water retention, feeds earthworms, and benefits soil microbes. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 July 2023 Furthermore, prolonged inflammation within the large intestine can lead to nutrient malabsorption. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Aug. 2023 While grains in a tart may seem counterintuitive, whole grains like quinoa or barley are nutrient power hitters and can add some extra bulk to the meal. Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 30 Aug. 2023 The calf was struggling with several serious health issues along with nutrient malabsorption, the center said. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2023 Advertisement Fujii said otters require a lot of food energy to keep warm and fit in the chilly Pacific waters, and that those demands double for mother otters who must feed their unborn pups and then provide enough rich, fatty, nutrient milk to feed their young. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2023 Instead, scientists suggest the trend comes from nutrient distribution—rising temperatures reduce the mixing between different layers of water and limit upwelling of nutrients. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2023
Noun
True mosses — classified in the taxonomic group Bryophyta — have neither roots nor flowers and lack the vascular systems that most flora rely on to draw water and nutrients from the soil. Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023 Increasing your blood flow with light physical activity helps bring nutrients to damaged and sore muscles, said Wickham. Lauren Del Turco, Health, 20 Nov. 2023 This nourishing, alcohol-free cleanser treats and conditions suede shoes using key, natural ingredients including organic aloe leaf, witch hazel, and castile soap to gently clean suede while replacing essential vitamins and nutrients. Alyssa Rotunno, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Soil Amendment: Leaves can be worked directly into soil to break down over time and release additional nutrients in addition to improving drainage. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023 Pagano’s studies showed that nonnative and invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) and common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) fruit, for example, have low levels of nutrients, fats and proteins. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 Neglecting Post-Workout Nutrition After a workout, your body is in a prime state to absorb nutrients and start the process of muscle repair and growth. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 16 Nov. 2023 Though there is no real nutrition in this detritus, the moths digest largely fungal content and release nutrients from that back into the ecosystem. Rina Diane Caballar, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2023 In the lab, scientists have formulated peanut butter packets that squeeze in more nutrients while maintaining a savory flavor to entice children to eat them. Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2023 See More

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 5 Dec. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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