Macronutrients
Etymology
A modern scientific compound: Greek "makros" (large) prefixed to "nutrient," from Latin "nutrire" (to nourish). Coined in nutritional science to contrast with the trace substances the body needs in tiny quantities.
noun · /MAK-roh-NOO-tree-uhnts/
The nutrients the body needs in large amounts for energy and structure: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
What it names
It groups the three energy-yielding food components under one handle, letting people reason about diet by proportion rather than by individual food.
Example
The coach had her track macronutrients rather than calories, aiming for a set ratio of protein to carbs to fat.
Related idea
The counterpart is micronutrients — vitamins and minerals needed in small doses; macronutrients supply the energy and building blocks, micronutrients supply the catalysts that let the body use them.