nutrition Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (physiology) the organic process of nourishing or being nourished; the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance
  2. noun a source of materials to nourish the body
    alimentation; aliment; nutriment; nourishment; sustenance; victuals.
  3. noun the scientific study of food and drink (especially in humans)

WordNet

Nu*tri"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. nutrition. See Nutritious.
Definitions
  1. (Physiol.) In the broadest sense, a process or series of processes by which the living organism as a whole (or its component parts or organs) is maintained in its normal condition of life and growth. ✍ In this wide sense it comprehends digestion, absorption, circulation, assimilation, etc., in fact all of the steps by which the nutritive matter of the food is fitted for incorporation with the different tissues, and the changes which it undergoes after its assimilation, prior to its excretion. See Metabolism.
  2. (Physiol.) In a more limited sense, the process by which the living tissues take up, from the blood, matters necessary either for their repair or for the performance of their healthy functions.
  3. That which nourishes; nutriment.
    Fixed like a plant, on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot. Pope.

Webster 1913