nutrition

noun nu·tri·tion \ nu̇-ˈtri-shən , nyu̇- \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of nutrition

1 : the act or process of nourishing or being nourished; specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances

foods that are necessary for human nutrition

2 : nourishment 1

… get adequate nutrition both before and during the race.
—John Hanc

—

nutritional

play \nu̇-ˈtrish-nəl, -ˈtri-shə-nᵊl, nyu̇-\ adjective

—

nutritionally

adverb

See nutrition defined for English-language learners

See nutrition defined for kids

Examples of nutrition in a Sentence

The speaker discussed diet and nutrition with the class.
good nutrition and proper exercise

Recent Examples of nutrition from the Web

Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs (Price Varies) Gwen Jorgensen, Olympic Triathlete A single egg is stacked with nutrition: essential vitamins and minerals, protein, healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants, and 75 calories.

— julie brown, Outside Online, "The Best Fuel for Your Longest Sufferfests," 30 May 2018
Kathleen Zelman, director of nutrition at WebMD, looks to the spiralizer to twirl vegetables into the shape of spaghetti.

— joan salge blake, BostonGlobe.com, "Fruit and veggie gadgets that can change your life," 21 May 2018
Parke Wilde, a professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston, said criticizing the SNAP program is a way to signal disapproval of social-welfare initiatives.

— alan bjerga, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Voters Would Be Hit Hardest by GOP’s Food Stamp Work Rules," 10 May 2018
But combine a child's nuance-less concept of nutrition with serious insecurity about my weight, and self-policing becomes even more potent than any parental decree.

— amiel stanek, Bon Appetit, "A Lactose Intolerant's Guide to Loving Cheese Again," 27 Apr. 2018
Andrews has dealt with type 1 diabetes with proper nutrition and medication.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans worked out Oklahoma TE Mark Andrews," 18 Apr. 2018
In the world of nutrition, the ketogenic diet is enjoying its moment as diet du jour.

— daniel schultz, ms, SELF, "Here’s What You Should Know Before Going on the Keto Diet," 16 Apr. 2018
Problems with nutrition brought on by the nausea and what can be near constant vomiting can weaken a woman's muscles, leading to the need for more bed rest.

— michael reader, charlotteobserver, "Severe nausea, 5 hospital stays: Why Ayesha Curry's third pregnancy is her roughest. | Charlotte Observer," 8 Apr. 2018
For now, many have turned to trash bags as a source of nutrition.

— eduard freisler, miamiherald, "In Venezuela, hungry child gangs use machetes to fight for “quality” garbage | Miami Herald," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nutrition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nutrition

Middle English nutricioun, from Late Latin nutrition-, nutritio, from Latin nutrire

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

NUTRITION Defined for English Language Learners

nutrition

noun

Definition of nutrition for English Language Learners

: the process of eating the right kind of food so you can grow properly and be healthy

NUTRITION Defined for Kids

nutrition

noun nu·tri·tion \ nu̇-ˈtri-shən , nyu̇- \

Definition of nutrition for Students

: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished : the processes by which a living thing takes in and uses nutrients

Medical Dictionary

nutrition

noun nu·tri·tion \ n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən \

medical Definition of nutrition

1 : the act or process of nourishing or being nourished; specifically : the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances

2 : food 1, nourishment

—