vitamin

noun

vi·​ta·​min ˈvī-tə-mən How to pronounce vitamin (audio)
British usually
ˈvi- How to pronounce vitamin (audio)
: 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 Unlike water-soluble vitamins, these fat-soluble vitamins are stored within the body, and each one comes with its own symptoms of toxicity. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 6 Mar. 2024 After decades of middle-of-the-alphabet anonymity on vitamin store shelves, the humble metal suddenly is taking a star turn in the wellness community, popping up in thousands of posts and even inspiring its own viral recipe, the Sleepy Girl Mocktail. Adam Markovitz, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 When collard greens are cooked in liquid, a lot of the water-soluble vitamins and minerals are lost to that liquid, which is called pot likker. Adrienne Cheatham, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 These vibrant fruits are also rich in vitamin C, essential for collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Qatar and France had mediated the deal to provide three months’ worth of medication for chronic illnesses for 45 of the hostages, along with other medicine and vitamins for the 100-plus living captives, a group that includes several elderly men. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 These include fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants; whole grains for fiber and nutrients; lean protein like fish and poultry; nuts and seeds for healthy fats; legumes for fiber and protein; and coffee and tea for antioxidants. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2024 And while a scoop of Marshmallow Sky may not be a health food (even if it’s blended into a milkshake), spirulina is known for being an immunity booster and containing vitamins and minerals. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 And the body needs various vitamins and healthy fats to keep functioning properly. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vitamin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of vitamine, from Latin vita life + English amine

First Known Use

circa 1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitamin was circa 1912

Dictionary Entries Near vitamin

Cite this Entry

“Vitamin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vitamin

noun
vi·​ta·​min ˈvīt-ə-mən How to pronounce vitamin (audio)
: 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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin

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