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 of nutrient

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

One of the best ways to improve the nutrient absorption from colorful vegetables is to pair them with avocado. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 26 June 2026

Despite this, the megacluster has been overlooked until now, possibly in part because bacteria in labs are often grown in nutrient-rich media. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Noun

Chocolate chips can provide small amounts of nutrients, although the exact nutritional profile depends on the type. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Apply an insecticide and minor nutrient spray to citrus trees at each flush of new growth. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

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