English Reference
noun

nutrition

n.
US /nuˈtɹɪʃən/ UK /njuːtɹˈɪʃən/ nu·tri·tion UK spelling nutritions

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the process of giving your body the food it needs to stay healthy and grow.

    the biological process by which an organism takes in and utilises food substances for maintenance and growth.

    Simple

    Good nutrition is essential for children to grow up strong and healthy.

    In context

    The medical team focused on improving the patient's nutrition to ensure the body had enough energy to recover from the surgery.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable; often used in the context of health, biology, or medicine.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    the study of food and how it affects the health of humans or animals.

    the branch of science or medicine concerned with the effects of diet on health and disease.

    Simple

    She decided to study nutrition at university to become a dietitian.

    In context

    Recent advances in nutrition have highlighted the complex relationship between gut bacteria and overall mental well-being.

    Usage

    Often used as a subject of study or a professional field.

    dietetics

Adding healthy fats like avocado, olive oil or eggs to salad greens can help your body absorb their nutrition.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

But nutrition experts warn that it lacks essential variety.

NPR· 16 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Middle French nutrition, from Old French nutricion, from Latin nutritio.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin nutritio
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated