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.
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
Consider upgrading to a slightly bigger pot yearly, adding fresh soil and compost for a nutrient boost. — Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026 The latter is anti-inflammatory and filled with nutrient-rich antioxidants to create a healthy scalp—if your scalp isn’t healthy, your hair won’t grow. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Arteriosclerosis occurs when blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the body become thick and stiff, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Upgrade Your Pastries With More Fiber and Protein Pastries and bakery-style breakfasts like muffins or croissants are tasty and tempting, but they’re often made with refined flour, which strips away important blood-sugar-stabilizing nutrients. — Caitlin Beale, HEALTH, 29 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 1 Nov. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nutrient

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