nutrition /n(y)o̅o̅trish″ən/ [L, nutriens] , 1. nourishment. 2. the sum of the processes involved in the taking in of nutrients and their assimilation and use for proper body functioning and maintenance of health. The successive stages include ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion. 3. the study of food and drink as related to the growth and maintenance of living organisms.
