cholecalciferol

noun

cho·​le·​cal·​cif·​er·​ol ˌkō-lə-(ˌ)kal-ˈsi-fə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce cholecalciferol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: a sterol C27H43OH that is a natural form of vitamin D found especially in fish, egg yolks, and fish-liver oils and is formed in the skin on exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays

called also vitamin D3

Examples of cholecalciferol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The form of vitamin D found in these sources is known as cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, the same form that the human body can produce when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is synthesized from plant or fungus sources. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 Look for products made in the USA that meet recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and contain either vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol – the most bioavailable form of this soluble vitamin. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2023 When selecting a supplement, opt for one that contains cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 Each tablet contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol. Anne Cook Carroll, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023 There are two primary kinds of vitamin D—vitamin D2 (or ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (or cholecalciferol). Karen Asp, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2023 Many experts feel that ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are equivalent in strength, although ergocalciferol is metabolized faster in the body. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022 Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: cholecalciferol (vitamin D) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D). Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2022 Those who took vitamin D supplements consumed one of three formulations: calcium-vitamin D, cholecalciferol, or ergocalciferol. Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cholecalciferol was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near cholecalciferol

Cite this Entry

“Cholecalciferol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholecalciferol. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cholecalciferol

noun
cho·​le·​cal·​cif·​er·​ol ˌkō-lə-(ˌ)kal-ˈsif-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl How to pronounce cholecalciferol (audio)
: a sterol C27H43OH that is a natural form of vitamin D found especially in fish, egg yolks, and fish-liver oils and is formed in the skin on exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays

called also vitamin D, vitamin D3

More from Merriam-Webster on cholecalciferol

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!