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

Ingredients like growth factors, vitamin C and ceramides, combined with treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Sculptra, can address common concerns while supporting your skin’s natural regeneration. —Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2025

Magnesium may also help to fight off infections by working to synthesize and activate other key micronutrients, such as vitamin D. This has led some researchers to argue that supplementing with magnesium and vitamin D alongside zinc may be effective in boosting your body’s immune response.6 5. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Editor’s tip: Argan oil is a natural source of vitamin E. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 1 Jan. 2025

Anti-inflammatory vitamin E and nourishing vitamin B5 are also in the mix to calm your flare-ups down. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Dec. 2024

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