nutrients

n. nutritious substance

A nutrient is a substance used in an organism's metabolism or physiology which must be taken in from the environment. Non-autotrophic organisms typically acquire nutrients by the ingestion of foods. Methods for nutrient intake vary, with animals and protists having an internal digestive system, while plants digest nutrients externally and then ingested.
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Noun
1. any substance that can be metabolized by an organism to give energy and build tissue
(synonym) food
(hypernym) substance, matter
(hyponym) yolk, vitellus
(part-meronym) food
(derivation) nutrify, aliment, nourish
Adjective
1. of or providing nourishment; "good nourishing stew"
(synonym) alimentary, alimental, nourishing, nutritious, nutritive
(similar) wholesome

a substance that promotes growth and healthy biological function.