Key terms & definitions

A substance obtained from food that the body needs for energy, growth, repair or healthy functioning.

The movement and recycling of nutrients between living organisms, dead organic material and soil.

The movement and reuse of nutrients between living organisms, dead organic matter and the non-living environment.

The amount of nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals, a food supplies in relation to its energy content.

The transfer of nutrients between stores, for example from soil into plants through root uptake.

A part of an ecosystem where nutrients are held, such as biomass, litter or soil.

The processes by which the body obtains and uses nutrients from food for energy, growth, repair and health.

The calculation of the energy and nutrient content of a food, recipe, meal or diet using food composition data and the quantities consumed.

A computer program that combines food composition data with ingredient or food quantities to calculate energy and nutrient content.

The nutrients and energy a person needs to support health, growth and activity; these vary with factors such as age and activity level.

A characteristic relating to the nutrients supplied by a food, such as its vitamin, fibre, sugar or salt content.

Information showing a food's energy content and amounts of specified nutrients, normally expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml.

The nutritional value of a food, including the nutrients it supplies.

A nurse, including a wet-nurse who breastfed an infant. In Roman households, this role could be performed by an enslaved woman.

The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, led by Millicent Fawcett, which pursued votes for women through constitutional methods such as petitions, demonstrations and parliamentary pressure.

A solemn promise made before God. Under Henry VIII, oaths were used to require acceptance of changes to the succession and royal authority.

A solemn promise that commits someone to a particular action or responsibility.

A solemn promise made with the gods as witnesses, giving the undertaking religious force.

A sworn promise of loyalty to a ruler or lord.

A formal promise to remain faithful to a ruler.

A range of spiritual and healing traditions practised in the Caribbean. In Leave Taking, Mai’s practice also involves listening and helping people understand their difficulties.

Following a direct order from someone perceived to have authority.

A gesture of submission or respect towards a superior, such as bowing or prostrating oneself.

A chronic condition involving excessive body-fat deposits and arising through interactions among energy balance, behaviour, genetics and the wider environment.

An excess of body fat that increases the risk of conditions including Type 2 diabetes.

A condition in which a person has excessive body fat.

A condition in which excess body fat increases the risk of health problems.

The original shape before a transformation.

Treating a person as an object to possess or use rather than as an individual with feelings and choices.

Representing or treating a person as an object for others’ use or pleasure rather than as an individual with agency.