vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvī-tə-mən 

British usually

ˈvi- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within the body

Examples of vitamin in a Sentence

This cereal contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Did you remember to take your vitamin?

Recent Examples on the Web

Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in some foods and added to others. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025

There are a series of vitamins found in eggs, including vitamins A, B12, D, E, biotin, riboflavin and thiamine. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

This concealer may have a demi-matte finish, but its conditioning formula won't dry or crack on your skin, thanks to nourishing ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 Jan. 2025

One medium bell pepper exceeds the DV for vitamin C.13 5. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of vitamine, from Latin vita life + English amine

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vitamin

• B vitamin
• vitamin A
• vitamin B6
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin D3
• vitamin E
• vitamin H
• vitamin K3

Kids Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən 

: any of various substances that are necessary in very small amounts to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, that are important to the control of growth and development by activating and assisting in the function of enzymes, and that are present naturally in many foods or in some cases are produced within the body

Medical Definition

vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən, British also ˈvit- 

: any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or are sometimes produced within the body