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 Word Forms

• 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

India, for centuries, was wracked by famines and chronic food shortages, leaving generations to survive on meagre nutrition.

From BBC

In the case of the Republican House budget, it's being paid for through massive cuts to health care and nutrition for low- and moderate-income people.

From Salon

Sarah says the study is learning more about how the body reacts, how nutrition and sleep can help, and the impact of maternal care.

From BBC

Starting Aug. 1, the dyes will be banned from meals served through school nutrition programs, according to the governor's office.

From Salon

He insisted that "we see a correlation between people who get hurt by measles and people who don’t have good nutrition or who don’t have a good exercise regimen," for which there is no evidence.

From Salon

Related Words

• nourishment