(physiology) the organic process of nourishing or being nourished; the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance(noun.process)
source: wordnet30
a source of materials to nourish the body(noun.food)
the scientific study of food and drink (especially in humans)(noun.cognition)
source: wordnet30
In the broadest sense, a process or series of processes by which the living organism as a whole (or its component parts or organs) is maintained in its normal condition of life and growth.(noun)