Definitions

Amino Acid: "an amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH2. Especially : any of the various amino acids having the amino group in the alpha position that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Amino acid. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amino%20acid

Anti-nutrient: "a naturally-occurring substance (such as saponin or tannin) found in plant-derived foods that interferes with absorption or proper functioning of nutrients in the body"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Antinutrient. In Merriam-Webster.com medical dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/antinutrient

Bacteriocidal: "bacteria killing"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Bactericidal. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bactericidal

Beta-carotene: "an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Beta-carotene. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-carotene

Biodiversity: "biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Biodiversity. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiversity

Food Conversion: "the rate at which an animal converts food into tissue usually expressed as pounds of food consumed per pound of liveweight gained"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Food conversion. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20conversion

Peptide: "any of various amides that are derived from two or more amino acids by combination of the amino group of one acid with the carboxyl group of another and are usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins"

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Peptide. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peptide

Vermicomposting: the process of using annelid worms and especially red worms to break down organic matter into compost that contains worm castings."

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Vermicomposting. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved July 8, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vermicomposting