nutrition

[noo-trish-uhn, nyoo-]

noun

1. the act or process of nourishing or of being nourished; the use of food for life, health, and growth.

   Our program helps families learn about nutrition and make the most of their food budget.

2. Biology.,  the process by which organisms take in and utilize food material.

   Most animals have holozoic nutrition—they take in whole food and then digest it into smaller particles.

3. food or nutriment; any substance used or needed for nourishment.

   Billions of people rely on seafood for essential nutrition.

   The chart shows nutrition information for each menu item, including fat, protein, and so on.

4. the science or study of, or a course of study in, nutrition, especially of humans.

   She has a master's degree in nutrition from the University of Oslo.

5. the pursuit of this science as an occupation or profession.

   She now runs a consultancy specializing in naturopathy and nutrition.

nutrition

/ njuːˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. a process in animals and plants involving the intake of nutrient materials and their subsequent assimilation into the tissues

2. the act or process of nourishing

3. the study of nutrition, esp in humans

nutrition

1. The process by which living organisms obtain food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. The stages of nutrition include ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, assimilation, and excretion.

2. The scientific study of food and nourishment, including food composition, dietary guidelines, and the roles that various nutrients have in maintaining health.

Other Word Forms

• nutritionally adverb
• nutritional adjective
• nutritionary adjective
• hypernutrition noun
• supernutrition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutrition¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin nūtrītiōn- (stem of nūtrītiō ) “a feeding,” equivalent to Latin nūtrīt(us) (past participle of nūtrīre “to feed”; nourish ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutrition¹

C16: from Late Latin nūtrītiō, from nūtrīre to nourish

Example Sentences

With childhood obesity rates climbing and dietary guidelines long dominated by low-fat orthodoxy, Kennedy’s campaign threatens to upend decades of federal nutrition policy.

From Salon

“Of all the videos, 1.4% were created by registered dietitians, suggesting very little expert nutrition advice on the app,” the study points out.

From Salon

While CDC scientists held their tongues, Kennedy exaggerated the power of nutrition and vitamin A while furthering mistrust in vaccines.

From Salon

Drastic cuts to healthcare, nutrition, reproductive rights and other federal safety-net programs are expected to disproportionately affect Californians.

From Los Angeles Times

Pair the snack pack with vegetable crudités and fresh fruit for extra nutrition.

From Salon

Related Words

• nourishment