food [AS, foda] , 1. any substance, usually of plant or animal origin, consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and such supplementary elements as minerals and vitamins, that is ingested or otherwise taken into the body and assimilated to provide energy and to promote the growth, repair, and maintenance essential for sustaining life. 2. nourishment in solid form, as contrasted with liquid form. 3. a particular kind of solid nourishment, such as breakfast food or snack food.
