In a general sense, whatever is eaten by animals for nourishment, and whatever supplies nutriment to plants.

Meat; aliment; flesh or vegetables eaten for sustaining human life; victuals; provisions; whatever is or may be eaten for nourishment. Feed me with food convenient for me. Proverbs 30:8.

Whatever supplies nourishment and growth to plants, as water, carbonic acid gasManuring substances furnish plants with food.

Something that sustains, nourishes and augments. Flattery is the food of vanity: .

To feed.