2. (Physiol.)
Defn: In a more limited sense, the process by which the living tissues take up, from the blood, matters necessary either for their repair or for the performance of their healthy functions.
3. That which nourishes; nutriment. Fixed like a plant, on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot. Pope.
NUTRITIONAL
Nu*tri"tion*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to nutrition; as, nutritional changes.
NUTRITIOUS Nu*tri"tious, a. Etym: [L. nutricius, nutritius, from nutrix, -icis, a nurse, nutrire to nourish. See Nurse, Nourish.]
Defn: Nourishing; promoting growth, or preventing decay; alimental.
— Nu*tri"tious*ly, adv.
— Nu*tri"tious*ness, n.
NUTRITIVE
Nu"tri*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. nutritif.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to nutrition; as, the nutritive functions; having the quality of nourishing; nutritious; nutrimental; alimental; as, nutritive food or berries. Nutritive plasma. (Biol.) See Idioplasma. — Nutritive polyp (Zoöl.), any one of the zooids of a compound hydroid, or coral, which has a mouth and digestive cavity. — Nu"tri*tive*ly, adv. — Nu"tri*tive*ness, n.
NUTRITURE
Nu"tri*ture, n. Etym: [L. nutritura, fr. nutrir to nourish.]