nutrient Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
    food.
  2. noun any substance (such as a chemical element or inorganic compound) that can be taken in by a green plant and used in organic synthesis
  3. adjective satellite of or providing nourishment
    alimentary; nutritious; alimental; nourishing; nutritive.
    • good nourishing stew

WordNet

Nu"tri*ent adjective
Etymology
L. nutriens, p. pr. of nutrire. See Nourish.
Definitions
  1. Nutritious; nourishing; promoting growth. -- n. Any substance which has nutritious qualities, i. e., which nourishes or promotes growth.

Webster 1913