n. 1. The process of nourishing or being nourished, especially the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and for replacement of tissues. 2. The science or study that deals with food and nourishment, especially in humans. 3. A source of nourishment; food. [Middle English nutricion, from Old French nutrition, from Late Latin nūtrītiō, nūtrītiōn-, from Latin nūtrītus, past participle of nūtrīre, to suckle; see (s)nāu- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] nu·trition·al adj. nu·trition·al·ly adv. |
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