Word
nutrient
Phoneticsnu·tri·ent, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnutɹiənt/
UK/njˈuːtɹiənt/
Definitions
01source of nourishment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a chemical or substance that a living thing needs to stay healthy and grow.
n. a substance that an organism must obtain from its environment for growth and the maintenance of life.
“Vegetables are full of important nutrients like vitamins and fiber.”
“The soil was depleted of essential nutrients after years of intensive farming without crop rotation.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural when referring to various types of food components.
Synonyms
02providing nourishment
C1 · Advanced Science Formal · Technical
adj. describing something that provides the things your body needs to grow.
adj. providing nourishment or serving as a source of food for an organism.
“The scientist studied the nutrient properties of the new grain.”
“The nutrient value of the algae was assessed to determine its suitability as a sustainable biofuel source.”
Usage
In modern English, 'nutritious' is much more common as an adjective; 'nutrient' as an adjective is largely restricted to technical or academic writing.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nutrient” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Like all foods, deli meats contain a mixture of nutrients – some that the body needs in larger amounts and others that it needs in smaller amounts.” “They kept the cells in dishes with nutrients to help them naturally grow, divide and move.” “How quickly nutrient loss happens “depends on factors such as how fresh greens were when purchased, how they were handled, and the temperature, humidity and moisture conditions in the refrigerator”.” “Although scientists had long known that heating could make milk safer, doctors and public health officials worried that sterilizing milk might also destroy its valuable nutrients.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin nūtriēns, present participle of nūtriō (“I suckle, nourish, foster”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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