A source of materials to nourish the body WordNet 3.0 & Open English WordNet

A process in animals and plants involving the intake of nutrient materials and their subsequent assimilation into the tissues. OmegaWiki

Chemical elements which are involved in the construction of living tissue and which are needed by both plant and animal. The most important in terms of bulk are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, with other essential ones including nitrogen, potassium, calcium, sulphur and phosphorus. OmegaWiki

A source of nourishment; food. Wiktionary