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

Antibiotics: These medications can change gut bacteria that make vitamin K2, potentially lowering the level of vitamin K2 in your body. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

The beverages come in three flavors — Strawberry, Mango Citrus and Orange Hibiscus — and each one contains more than 700 milligrams of electrolytes, as well as a mix of B-complex vitamins and green coffee extract. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

This hydrating Elf face primer, infused with grape and vitamins A, C & E will keep your skin smooth and boost your complexion. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024

Plus, nearly 78% of vitamin imports come from China, according to the American Feed Industry Association. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 4 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