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

Programs such as crop insurance, commodity support and nutrition assistance are set to expire at the end of the year, heightening the urgency for Congress to take action.

From Salon

"By looking at a longer time period, and using photos to track diet and nutrition, we're able to get a much richer and more precise picture of what people actually ate."

From Science Daily

This humble mollusk is a vital source of income and nutrition for many coastal residents.

From Science Daily

They include pervasive chronic disease, poor nutrition and the ubiquity of processed foods containing artificial chemicals.

From Los Angeles Times

On a positive note, she says that both social isolation and frailty, especially pre-frailty, can be reversed with lifestyle changes, including better nutrition, more exercise and participating in group activities.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• nourishment