Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nutrient \Nu"tri*ent\, a. [L. nutriens, p. pr. of nutrire. See
   {Nourish}.]
   Nutritious; nourishing; promoting growth. -- n. Any substance
   which has nutritious qualities, i. e., which nourishes or
   promotes growth.

Source : WordNet®

nutrient
     adj : of or providing nourishment; "good nourishing stew" [syn: {alimentary},
            {alimental}, {nourishing}, {nutritious}, {nutritive}]

nutrient
     n : any substance that can be metabolized by an organism to give
         energy and build tissue [syn: {food}]