Nutrient

Definition

Nutrient refers to any substance that provides nourishment essential for the maintenance of life and for growth. In biology and nutrition, nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈnuː.tri.ənt/
• Respelling: NOO-tree-ənt

British English

• IPA: /ˈnjuː.tri.ənt/
• Respelling: NYOO-tree-ənt

Etymology

Mid 19th century: from Latin nutrire “to nourish” + adjectival suffix -ent.

Derivatives

• nutritional (adjective)
• nutritionally (adverb)
• nutrient-rich (adjective)

Synonyms

• nourishment
• nutriment
• food component

Antonyms

• toxin
• poison

Usage

The noun "nutrient" is used in nutritional science, agriculture, and biology to refer to substances that provide nourishment. For example, "Plants absorb nutrients from the soil to grow," or "A balanced diet provides essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids."

Related Terms

• Macronutrient: Nutrients required in large amounts (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).
• Micronutrient: Nutrients needed in small amounts (vitamins, minerals).
• Essential nutrient: A nutrient that cannot be synthesized by the body.
• Mineral: Inorganic elements required by organisms.
• Vitamin: Organic compounds required in small quantities.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A substance that provides nourishment for growth and maintenance – chemical compounds necessary for metabolic processes.
  • Example: "Iron is an essential nutrient for red blood cell production."
• A component of food required in the diet – classes include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water.
  • Example: "Dietary fiber acts as a non-digestible nutrient that aids digestion."