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Medical Term:


Pronunciation: nū-trish′ŭn


  1. A function of living plants and animals, consisting of the ingestion and metabolism of food material whereby tissue is built up and energy liberated.
  2. The study of the food and liquid requirements of human beings or animals for normal physiologic function, including energy, need, maintenance, growth, activity, reproduction, and lactation.

Synonym(s): trophism2

[L. nutritio, fr. nutrio, to nourish]