alimentation

noun

al·​i·​men·​ta·​tion ˌa-lə-mən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce alimentation (audio)
-ˌmen-
: the act or process of affording nutriment or nourishment
intravenous alimentation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, "nourishment, sustenance," borrowed from Medieval Latin alimentātiōn-, alimentātiō, from Late Latin alimentāre "to nourish, maintain" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at aliment entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alimentation was circa 1656

Rhymes for alimentation

See All Rhymes for alimentation

Browse Nearby Words

alimentary paste
alimentation
alimentative
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Cite this Entry

“Alimentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alimentation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

alimentation

noun
al·​i·​men·​ta·​tion ˌal-ə-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- How to pronounce alimentation (audio)
: the act or process of affording nutriment or nourishment
intravenous alimentation
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