: 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
The Enquirer, 23 Apr. 2024
The Russian River enriches the soil with the nutrients needed to support both wildlife and agriculture, with the prevailing fog influence being perfect for the growing of Pinot Noir.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Some almond milk brands are fortified with calcium and vitamin B12, which can bump up the nutrients' daily values (DV).1
Some companies add protein to almond milk, primarily pea protein sourced from yellow split peas.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 21 Apr. 2024
High marks for water quality, which suggests that excess nutrients are low enough to encourage habitat restoration, and good diversity of birds, but poor marks for flood prevention.
—Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 20 Apr. 2024
This step boosts the nutrients in your dishes and helps minimize food waste.
—Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024
Following this trend can result in fatigue, overeating, extreme hunger, and nutrient deficiencies in the long run.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024
More specifically, bovine colostrum also contains the same helpful nutrients in cows milk and more, says Harbstreet.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 11 Apr. 2024
The data sheets show the nutrient content, pH balance, and pathogen and metals testing results.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 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
In particular, the nutrients in the sediment have caused a plant called duckweed to grow rampant.
—The Enquirer, 23 Apr. 2024
The Russian River enriches the soil with the nutrients needed to support both wildlife and agriculture, with the prevailing fog influence being perfect for the growing of Pinot Noir.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Some almond milk brands are fortified with calcium and vitamin B12, which can bump up the nutrients' daily values (DV).1
Some companies add protein to almond milk, primarily pea protein sourced from yellow split peas.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 21 Apr. 2024
High marks for water quality, which suggests that excess nutrients are low enough to encourage habitat restoration, and good diversity of birds, but poor marks for flood prevention.
—Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 20 Apr. 2024
This step boosts the nutrients in your dishes and helps minimize food waste.
—Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024
Following this trend can result in fatigue, overeating, extreme hunger, and nutrient deficiencies in the long run.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024
More specifically, bovine colostrum also contains the same helpful nutrients in cows milk and more, says Harbstreet.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 11 Apr. 2024
The data sheets show the nutrient content, pH balance, and pathogen and metals testing results.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 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 25 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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