Where does “micronutrient” come from?
I notice the chain provided appears to have some issues - the progression from Ancient Greek μικρός (small) backward doesn't align logically with the remaining Proto-Indo-European forms listed, which seem to relate to different roots. Additionally, "nutrient" isn't present in the chain, yet the headword is "micronutrient."
Could you clarify:
1. Is the chain meant to trace "micronutrient" completely, or just "micro-"?
2. Are all those PIE forms meant to be in sequence, or are some alternative proposals?
3. Should I note uncertainty in the summary if the chain itself seems incomplete or contradictory?
This will help me write an accurate, defensible sentence rather than one that might misrepresent the etymological evidence.
micronutrient (English): A mineral, vitamin or other substance that is...
Definitions
- A mineral, vitamin or other substance that is...
Ancestry of “micronutrient”, step by step
Words derived from “micronutrient”