ˈfüd sometimes ˈfu̇d noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English fode, from Old English fōda; akin to Old English fōdor, foddor food, fodder, Old High German fuotar food, fodder, Old Norse fœtha, fœthi food, fōthr fodder, Gothic fodeins food, Latin pabulum food, fodder, panis bread, pascere to pasture, feed, graze, Greek pateisthai to eat, Old Slavic pasti to graze
1.
a. : material consisting of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and supplementary substances (as minerals, vitamins) that is taken or absorbed into the body of an animal in order to sustain growth, repair, and all vital processes and to furnish energy for all activity of the organism
any population is limited by the available supply of food
especially : parts of the bodies of animals and plants consumed by animals : provender , provisions, viands
acres devoted to growing food
longing for the foods of her homeland
— compare metabolism , nutrition
b. : simple inorganic substances that are absorbed by plants in gaseous form (as carbon dioxide) or in solution in water (as nitrates, phosphates) : plant nutrients
c. : complex organic substances constructed within the bodies of green plants by photosynthesis or other processes for use directly as building material and as source of energy for growth and reproduction
2.
a. : nutriment in solid form — opposed to drink
b. : the chief substance of regularly taken meals as distinguished from candy, appetizers, or condiments
3.
a. : something that nourishes or develops
spiritual food
intellectual food
or sustains
praise was her favorite food — Eden Phillpotts
b. : something that supplies a process or activity
food for thought
4. obsolete : the act of eating
5. foods plural : stocks or bonds of food companies