vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: such as

a

or vitamin D₂

-ˈdē-ˈtü 

: calciferol

b

or vitamin D₃

-ˈdē-ˈthrē 

: cholecalciferol

Examples of vitamin D in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ingredients include Coenzyme Q10, omega-3 DHA, lycopene, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024

Therefore, vitamin D deficiencies are common among most people, including vegans. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024

Unless the diet is carefully optimized, additional sources of B12, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin D may be needed to avoid a deficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024

Ultimately, Harmon ended up being diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency and Polycystic Ovary System (PCOS). —Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any of several vitamins that are needed for normal bone and tooth structure, and are found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or are produced in response to ultraviolet light

Medical Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: as

a

: calciferol

b

: cholecalciferol

called also sunshine vitamin