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 alimentarytrophic
2. the act or process of nourishing
3. the study of nutrition, esp in humans

nutrition

/ no̅o̅-trĭsh′ən /

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.

Derived Forms

• nuˈtritionally, adverb
• nuˈtritional, adjective

Other Words From

• nu·tri·tion·al nu·tri·tion·ar·y adjective
• nu·tri·tion·al·ly adverb
• hy·per·nu·tri·tion noun
• su·per·nu·tri·tion 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

If such cuts came to pass, it’s unclear what would happen to the programs those agencies oversee, including hunger reduction and nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

From Los Angeles Times

But phones would be off limits once the opening bell rings, including lunch or nutrition and other breaks, until the end of the school day.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental pollution is a risk factor for congenital abnormalities, alongside genetics, maternal age, infection and nutrition, she says.

From BBC

“There are entire departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA that have to go,” he said in an NBC interview.

From Salon

“In some categories there are entire departments, like the nutrition department at FDA, that have to go, that are not doing their jobs, that are not protecting our kids,” Kennedy said.

From Salon

Related Words

• nourishment