[food] n, often attrib [ME fode, fr. OE foda; akin to OHG fuotar food, fodder, L panis bread, pascere to feed] (bef. 12c) 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 "~ for thought" -- food.less adj -- food.less.ness n