nutrient
B2Neutral to formal; common in scientific, academic, and health-related discourse.
Definition
Meaning
A substance that provides essential nourishment for the growth, maintenance, and functioning of an organism.
Any element or factor that sustains, fosters, or promotes development in a non-biological context, such as intellectual or cultural nourishment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a countable noun (e.g., 'essential nutrients'), but can function as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'nutrient content'). The concept is central to biology, nutrition, and environmental science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. Minor variations in pronunciation and phrasing exist.
Connotations
Equally neutral and scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English media related to health, diet, and supplements.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + nutrient(s) (e.g., absorb, contain, provide)[Adjective] + nutrient(s) (e.g., essential, vital, key)nutrient + [Noun] (e.g., nutrient profile, nutrient intake)be rich/high/poor in + nutrient(s)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing for food, supplements, and agriculture (e.g., 'nutrient labelling', 'added nutrients').
Academic
Core term in biology, nutrition, ecology, and medicine (e.g., 'limiting nutrient', 'nutrient cycling').
Everyday
Common in discussions about diet, health, and cooking (e.g., 'packed with nutrients', 'nutrient-rich foods').
Technical
Precise use in dietetics, soil science, and biochemistry (e.g., 'nutrient bioavailability', 'nutrient solution').
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The nutrient levels in the reservoir are being monitored closely.
- This is a particularly nutrient-poor region for farming.
American English
- The nutrient solution in the hydroponic tank needs changing.
- We added a nutrient boost to the soil.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Fruit and vegetables contain many important nutrients.
- Water is also a vital nutrient for our bodies.
- A balanced diet should provide all the essential nutrients.
- The label shows the nutrient information per serving.
- Soil erosion can lead to a severe loss of nutrients, affecting crop yield.
- The study examined the nutrient profile of various plant-based milks.
- Upwelling oceanic currents transport nutrient-rich waters to the surface, fostering marine productivity.
- The efficacy of the fertiliser depends on the bioavailability of its nutrients in the rhizosphere.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NEW TREE growing: a NUTRIENT helps a NEW TREE-ENT (entity) grow strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE THAT REQUIRES FUEL (nutrients are the fuel components).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'nutrient' (нутриент/питательное вещество) with 'nutrition' (питание).
- The direct loanword 'нутриент' is understood but less common than 'питательное вещество' in everyday Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'nutrient' uncountably (e.g., 'This food has a lot of nutrient' – should be 'nutrients').
- Confusing 'nutrient' (a substance) with 'nutrition' (the process or study).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'nutrient' used most precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to all living organisms, including plants and animals. Plants get nutrients from soil, and animals get them from food.
A vitamin is a specific type of organic nutrient required in small amounts. 'Nutrient' is a broader category that includes vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water.
Yes, it can be used attributively (before a noun) as in 'nutrient content', 'nutrient cycle', or in compound adjectives like 'nutrient-rich'.
Yes, it is very common and often preferred when referring to multiple nourishing substances, as in 'This meal is full of essential nutrients.'