macronutrient

n.
An element, such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen, required in large proportion for the normal growth and development of a plant.

A category of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, that are present in foods in large quantities.

A nutrient required in large amounts to maintain health. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

Examples include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium.

An essential nutrient that has a large minimal daily requirement (greater than 100 mg for a ruminant); calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride are macronutrients.