tocopherol

noun

to·​coph·​er·​ol tō-ˈkä-fə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: any of several fat-soluble oily phenolic compounds with varying degrees of antioxidant vitamin E activity

especially : alpha-tocopherol

Examples of tocopherol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its newest facial oil is no exception: meant to be applied before the brand’s signature Harmonie Serum, the Harmonie Oil taps soothing bisabolol, phyto-squalane and vitamin E-rich tocopherols to nourish and calm the skin, meaning also to trigger mental and emotional relaxation. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, panthenol hydrates, tocopherol conditions, and niacinamide boosts keratin production to help the lashes grow. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2024

Mixed tocopherols: These natural antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023

Apart from providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and brain function, this supplement also contains vitamin E and mixed tocopherols to prevent oxidation and ensure freshness. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2023

No additional flavoring/ingredients other than preservatives (ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol) are allowed in GHNA products. —Good Housekeeping, 4 Mar. 2020

The three most common allergens were fragrances, parabens and tocopherol. —Jane E. Brody, idahostatesman, 29 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

toco- (combining form from Greek tókos "childbirth, act of giving birth [of animals]") + Greek phérein "to carry, bring, bring about, produce" + -ol entry 1; so named because it was found to be a dietary factor essential for reproduction in rats — more at dystocia, bear entry 2

Note: The name tocopherol was introduced in an article by the American anatomist and embryologist Herbert McLean Evans (1882-1971), the biochemist and nutritionist Gladys Anderson Emerson (1903-84), and the biochemist Oliver Huddleston Emerson ("The isolation from wheat germ oil of an alcohol, α-tocopherol, having the properties of Vitamin E," Journal of Biological Chemistry, vol. 113, no. 1 [February 1, 1936], pp. 319-32). The isolation of α-tocopherol is generally credited to Gladys Emerson.

First Known Use

circa 1936, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tocopherol

• alpha-tocopherol

Rhymes for tocopherol

• cholesteryl
• sitosterol
• beryl
• feral
• karel
• peril
• seral
• sterile
• sterol
• carbaryl
• glyceryl
• imperil

Kids Definition

tocopherol

noun

to·​coph·​er·​ol tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: vitamin e

Medical Definition

tocopherol

noun

to·​coph·​er·​ol tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl  -ˌrōl 

: any of several fat-soluble oily phenolic compounds with varying degrees of antioxidant vitamin E activity

especially : alpha-tocopherol