: 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
Mayo Clinic Health LetterMost 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
Robert Lee SmithSandy soils need organic amendments to help them retain nutrients and water, which otherwise leach out quickly.—Sunset
SunsetSynonyms
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 WebKathleen Felton, Health, 3 Jan. 2024
The team also conducted a meta-analysis based on the three separate studies, with non-overlapping participants, and similarly found that taking a multivitamin showed benefits for memory and cognition, which could help nutrient deficient seniors.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2024
The county believes the ordinance is an effective way to curb nutrient pollution from entering waterways like Tampa Bay, Fabrizio said.
—Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024
This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut that are important for nutrient absorption and immune function.
—Mandy Conrad, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024
Other studies say umami may also improve nutrient digestion.
—Colby Teeman, Assistant Professor Of Dietetics and Nutrition, University Of Dayton, Fortune Well, 21 Oct. 2023
The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 13 Dec. 2023
And because nutrient deficiencies contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, those with especially restrictive diets—or who struggle to get enough nutrients in their day to day regimen—may want to consider supplements for optimal hair health.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2023
Of note is the severity of nutrient pollution, namely the overabundance of phosphorus and nitrogen in Earth’s waters.
—Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024
Dates are also rich in a ton of essential nutrients.
—Sina Petri, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
The area is named for the bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside to lick mud for nutrients.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024
Once the multitudes die and fall to the ground, their decay releases nutrients back into the soil.
—Andy Fies, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
Magnesium is a nutrient that impacts the creation and strength of bones, helps regulate nerve and muscle function, and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
It’s also fortified with other key nutrients like B vitamins (including folate), vitamin E, zinc, and calcium.
—Jennifer D'angelo Friedman, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024
But rinsing rice may also reduce nutrients like iron or water-soluble B vitamins, including folate, niacin, and thiamine, Janulewicz added.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
Encountering the staggering range of supplements, nutrients, and other additives now present in the drink aisle can make choosing a drink feel deeply stressful, more like picking up medication than grabbing a bottle on the go.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Their hair may be growing—but it could be related to supplementing for nutrient deficiencies.
—Kathleen Felton, Health, 3 Jan. 2024
The team also conducted a meta-analysis based on the three separate studies, with non-overlapping participants, and similarly found that taking a multivitamin showed benefits for memory and cognition, which could help nutrient deficient seniors.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 Jan. 2024
The county believes the ordinance is an effective way to curb nutrient pollution from entering waterways like Tampa Bay, Fabrizio said.
—Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024
This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut that are important for nutrient absorption and immune function.
—Mandy Conrad, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024
Other studies say umami may also improve nutrient digestion.
—Colby Teeman, Assistant Professor Of Dietetics and Nutrition, University Of Dayton, Fortune Well, 21 Oct. 2023
The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 13 Dec. 2023
And because nutrient deficiencies contribute to hair thinning and hair loss, those with especially restrictive diets—or who struggle to get enough nutrients in their day to day regimen—may want to consider supplements for optimal hair health.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2023
Of note is the severity of nutrient pollution, namely the overabundance of phosphorus and nitrogen in Earth’s waters.
—Tara Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023
Noun
The data sheets show the nutrient content, pH balance, and pathogen and metals testing results.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024
Dates are also rich in a ton of essential nutrients.
—Sina Petri, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
The area is named for the bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside to lick mud for nutrients.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024
Once the multitudes die and fall to the ground, their decay releases nutrients back into the soil.
—Andy Fies, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
Magnesium is a nutrient that impacts the creation and strength of bones, helps regulate nerve and muscle function, and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
It’s also fortified with other key nutrients like B vitamins (including folate), vitamin E, zinc, and calcium.
—Jennifer D'angelo Friedman, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024
But rinsing rice may also reduce nutrients like iron or water-soluble B vitamins, including folate, niacin, and thiamine, Janulewicz added.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
Encountering the staggering range of supplements, nutrients, and other additives now present in the drink aisle can make choosing a drink feel deeply stressful, more like picking up medication than grabbing a bottle on the go.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nutrient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near nutrient
Cite this Entry
“Nutrient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrient. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nutrient
1 of 2 adjective
nu·tri·ent
ˈn(y)ü-trē-ənt 
: 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
: furnishing nourishment
nutrient
2 of 2 noun
: a nutritive substance or ingredient
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