alpha-tocopherol

noun

al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˈal-fə-tō-ˈkä-fə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: the predominant form of vitamin E C₂₉H₅₀O₂ that is essential to human nutrition

… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.

—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.

—S. Boyd Eaton

Examples of alpha-tocopherol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on these new findings, food sources of lycopene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) should have a place on your plate to support your brain health. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 28 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

alpha-tocopherol

noun

al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˌal-fə-tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl 

: the predominant form of vitamin E C₂₉H₅₀O₂ that is essential to human nutrition

… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.

—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.

—S. Boyd Eaton