nutrient

1 of 2

adjective

nu·​tri·​ent ˈnü-trē-ənt How to pronounce nutrient (audio)
ˈnyü-
Synonyms of nutrientnext
: 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

Synonyms of nutrient

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Adjective

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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.
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Adjective
This process, which takes about a month, transforms human remains into nutrient-rich soil using bacteria, fungi, and mulch. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 Clover thrives in weak, nutrient-poor lawns, often caused by low nitrogen, short mowing, or heat and drought stress. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
As with tomatoes, the breakdown of cell walls during canning can make this nutrient easier for the body to absorb. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 Canopy thinning, crown death, branch dieback, and wilting leaves occur when borer larvae feed on the vascular tissues of ash trees and interrupt the flow of water and nutrients from the trees’ roots. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for nutrient

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Browse Nearby Words

nutriculture
nutrient
nutrify
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Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of nutrient for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nutrient

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