nutraceutical

Definition

A nutrient or food believed to have curative properties; a food used as a drug.

Etymology

Blend of nutrient + pharmaceutical, a marketing term coined by Stephen DeFelice in 1989.

Example Sentences

• "The latest nutraceutical nostrum could come from the blueberry."
• "Japan, where the probiotic drink Yakult was invented in 1935, is regarded as the homeland of nutraceuticals. Thanks to a lighter legislative touch than in Europe it’s also relatively easy for food manufacturers to claim special powers for their products."