Food or other substances that nourish the body and maintain life; anything that sustains or supports something else.
From Latin 'alimentum,' derived from 'alere' (to nourish). This word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 14th century to denote sustenance.
The Latin root 'alere' is the same root behind 'adolescent' (one who grows), 'alumni' (those who were nourished by education), and 'altruism'—all describing growth, nourishment, or elevation.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.