Definition

1. Noun:
   • Any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue: The primary meaning, referring to material consumed by living organisms for nutrition and sustenance.
   • Any solid substance (as opposed to liquid) that is used as a source of nourishment: Specifically emphasizes solid edible matter.
   • Anything that provides mental stimulus for thinking: A figurative use, referring to ideas or information that nourishes the mind.
   • Food and drink: Used collectively to refer to all items of nourishment.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We need to buy food for the party. (Referring to edible substances for energy.)
  • The doctor advised a diet of simple, wholesome food. (Referring to solid nourishment.)
  • His lectures are food for thought. (Figurative use for mental stimulus.)
  • The hotel price includes food and lodging. (Collective use for sustenance.)

Advanced Usage

• "food for thought": Something that provides ideas to think about.

  • The documentary provided plenty of food for thought about climate change.

• "food for powder" (Archaic): Refers to soldiers seen as mere material for war (cannon fodder).

  • The general saw the new recruits as little more than food for powder.

Variants and Related Words

• Foodstuff (n): A substance suitable for consumption as food.

  • Basic foodstuffs like rice and flour.

• Foodie (n, informal): A person with a keen interest in food and drink.

  • She's a real foodie who loves trying new restaurants.

• Foodless (adj): Lacking food.

  • The foodless winter was harsh.

Synonyms

• Nourishment: Things necessary for health, growth, and maintenance.
• Sustenance: Food and drink regarded as a source of strength.
• Provisions: A stock of needed materials or supplies, especially food.
• Fare: The food and drink that is regularly consumed.

Related Phrases

• To become food for worms/fishes: (Idiomatic) To die and be buried (worms) or drown (fishes).

  • Many soldiers became food for worms on that battlefield.

• Food chain: (Ecology) A hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.

  • The shark is at the top of the marine food chain.

Noun

1. anything that provides mental stimulus for thinking
2. any solid substance (as opposed to liquid) that is used as a source of nourishment
   • food and drink
3. any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue