nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
ˈnyü-
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2

noun

: a substance or ingredient that promotes growth, provides energy, and maintains life
Tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients, among them vitamins C and B-complex and the minerals iron and potassium.Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Most frugivores do not depend exclusively on fruits, because fruits tend to be deficient in certain nutrients such as protein, and because they are only seasonally available.Robert Lee Smith
Sandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.Sunset

Examples of nutrient in a Sentence

Adjective a breakfast drink enriched with nutrient proteins and vitamins Noun Fruits and vegetables have important nutrients. The soil is low in nutrients. You need more nutrients in your diet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Still, most people do not get enough vitamin D, turning to supplements to fill nutrient gaps. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Seasonal fluctuations in nutrient input can directly affect the algae and invertebrates that sustain the pupfish. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
Magnesium supplements can also help correct nutrient deficiencies. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 Therefore, having weak and brittle nails, can definitely be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nutrient 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin nutrient-, nutriens, present participle of nutrire to nourish — more at nourish

First Known Use

Adjective

1650, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nutrient was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near nutrient

Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutrient substance or ingredient

Medical Definition

nutrient

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​tri·​ent ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
: furnishing nourishment

nutrient

2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient

More from Merriam-Webster on nutrient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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