First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
food
noun, often attributive \ˈfüd\
: the things that people and animals eat
: a particular kind of food
: substances taken in by plants and used for growth
Full Definition of FOOD
1
a : material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy; also : such food together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments) b : inorganic substances absorbed by plants in gaseous form or in water solution
2
: nutriment in solid form
3
: something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies <food for thought>
— food·less \-ləs\ adjective
— food·less·ness noun
See food defined for English-language learners
See food defined for kids
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Origin of FOOD
Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Latin panis bread, pascere to feed
Related to FOOD
FOOD Defined for Kids
food
noun \ˈfüd\
Definition of FOOD for Kids
1
: the material that people and animals eat : material containing carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and supplements (as minerals and vitamins) that is taken in by and used in the living body for growth and repair and as a source of energy for activities
2
: inorganic substances (as nitrate and carbon dioxide) taken in by green plants and used to build organic nutrients
3
: organic materials (as sugar and starch) formed by plants and used in their growth and activities
4
: solid food as distinguished from drink
Medical Dictionary
food
noun , often attrib \ˈfüd\
Medical Definition of FOOD
1
: material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat used in the body of an organism to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy; also : such material together with supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins, and condiments)
2
: nutriment in solid form
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