nutrient solution

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnicalspecialist

   A liquid mixture containing dissolved minerals and other substances that plants or organisms need to grow.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a nutrient solution' or 'nutrient solutions'.

   Patterns

   • a nutrient solution for something
   • prepare a nutrient solution

   The hydroponic system delivers a nutrient solution directly to the plant roots.

   Scientists prepared a nutrient solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

   The seedlings were grown in a nutrient solution rather than soil.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalspecialistbiology

   In laboratory research, a liquid medium that supplies nutrients for growing cells or microorganisms.

   Grammar: Often used in scientific writing: 'a nutrient solution was added'.

   Patterns

   • culture cells in a nutrient solution
   • add a nutrient solution

   The bacteria were cultured in a nutrient solution at 37°C.

   A fresh nutrient solution was added to the flask every 24 hours.

Word forms

Common combinations

hydroponic nutrient solution

The hydroponic nutrient solution must be balanced for optimal plant growth.

prepare a nutrient solution

You need to prepare a nutrient solution before planting the seeds.

nutrient solution film technique

The nutrient solution film technique is widely used in commercial greenhouses.

concentration of a nutrient solution

The concentration of the nutrient solution affects how quickly the plants absorb minerals.

Synonyms and how they differ

liquid fertilizer

Refers to a product used mainly in gardening; 'nutrient solution' is broader and used in scientific contexts as well.

growth medium

A more general term for any substance (solid or liquid) that supports growth; 'nutrient solution' is specifically liquid.

Word family

nutrient noun

A substance that provides nourishment, essential for life and growth.

nutrient adjective

Describing something that provides nutrients, as in 'nutrient-rich soil'.

Commonly confused: nutrient solution or nutritional solution?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “nutrient solution”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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