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

Celeb Check-in But above all, staying physically healthy by taking her vitamins is a major priority for the captain of the San Diego Wave FC, which is why she’s teamed up with Nature Made on its new Pickle- Flavored Multivitamin Gummies. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2024

Hodson explained that blueberries offer additional benefits beyond heart health, including vitamin K, which supports blood clotting and bone building, and manganese, which aids immune and reproductive function. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 May 2024

Greek yogurt is considered healthy for many reasons, including being a good source of micronutrients like vitamins A and B12 and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iodine. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024

Zinc-containing foods offer other vital nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, minerals, protein, and vitamins. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 19 May 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