1.  nutrient(n = noun.tops) food - any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue; Array
is a kind of substance
has parts: food, solid food
has particulars: vitellus, yolk, comfort food, comestible, eatable, edible, pabulum, victual, victuals, fare, food product, foodstuff, aliment, alimentation, nourishment, nutriment, nutrition, sustenance, victuals, commissariat, provender, provisions, viands, victuals, feed, provender, manna, manna from heaven, miraculous food, beverage, drink, drinkable, potable, water, soul food, micronutrient, chyme, culture medium, medium
Derived forms adjective nutrient₁, verb nutrify₁

2.  nutrient(n = noun.tops) Array - any substance (such as a chemical element or inorganic compound) that can be taken in by a green plant and used in organic synthesis; Array
is a kind of substance
has particulars: water

   nutrient(s = adj.all) alimental, alimentary, nourishing, nutritious, nutritive - of or providing nourishment; "good nourishing stew"
Derived forms verb nourish₁, verb nourish₂, noun nutrient₁

   Nutritious; nourishing; promoting growth. [1913 Webster]

1.  Any substance which has nutritious qualities, i. e., which nourishes or promotes growth; a nutriment. [1913 Webster]

2.  A substance added to the growth medium of a microorganism to promote growth. [PJC]

nutrient, n. & adj.
--n. any substance that provides essential nourishment for the maintenance of life.
--adj. serving as or providing nourishment.

Etymology:
L nutrire nourish

nutrient agar, nutrient artery