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Noun: nutrient  n(y)oo-tree-unt
  1. Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
    "Proteins are essential nutrients for muscle growth";
    - food
     
  2. Any substance (such as a chemical element or inorganic compound) that can be taken in by a green plant and used in organic synthesis
    "Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plant growth"
Adjective: nutrient  n(y)oo-tree-unt
  1. Of or providing nourishment
    "The nutrient canal processes food for the body";
    - alimentary, alimental, nourishing, nutritious, nutritive

Derived forms: nutrients

See also: wholesome

Type of: food, grub [informal], kai [NZ, informal], khana [Asia], nosh [Brit, informal], provender [archaic], solid food

Encyclopedia: Nutrient