Food

Definition

Food refers to any substance consumed to provide nutritional support, energy, or pleasure to an organism. It is typically of plant, animal, or fungal origin and contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fuːd/
• Respelling: FOOD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fuːd/
• Respelling: FOOD

Etymology

The word "food" originates from Old English "fōda," meaning "nourishment or sustenance," derived from Proto-Germanic "*fōdō" and Proto-Indo-European "*pat-" (to feed). It has retained its core meaning across centuries and languages.

Derivatives

• Foodie (noun)
• Foodstuff (noun)
• Foodieism (noun)
• Foodless (adjective)
• Superfood (noun)

Synonyms

• Nourishment
• Sustenance
• Provisions

Antonyms

• Famine
• Starvation
• Deprivation

Usage

The noun "food" is universally used to refer to edible items, as in "They prepared a variety of delicious foods for the party." It also appears metaphorically, such as "This book is food for thought," meaning intellectual nourishment.

Related Terms

• Diet: The types of food consumed by an individual or group.
• Meal: A portion of food eaten at specific times.
• Nutrition: The process of obtaining and utilizing nutrients from food.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Substances consumed for energy and nourishment: Refers to items that sustain life and provide essential nutrients.
  • Example: "Fruits and vegetables are important sources of food."
• Any material that supplies intellectual or emotional sustenance: Used metaphorically to denote enrichment or stimulation.
  • Example: "Her speech was food for the soul."
• A collective term for edible items: Encompasses all consumable items prepared or raw.
  • Example: "Street food is popular in many cultures."