alpha-tocopherol

noun

al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˈal-fə-tō-ˈkä-fə-ˌrȯl 

-ˌrōl

: the predominant form of vitamin E C₂₉H₅₀O₂ that is essential to human nutrition

… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.

—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.

—S. Boyd Eaton

Examples of alpha-tocopherol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on these new findings, food sources of lycopene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) should have a place on your plate to support your brain health. — Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 28 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alpha-tocopherol

• foraminiferal
• beryl
• feral
• karel
• peril
• seral
• sterile
• sterol
• carbaryl
• glyceryl
• imperil
• tocopherol

Medical Definition

alpha-tocopherol

noun

al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˌal-fə-tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl 

: the predominant form of vitamin E C₂₉H₅₀O₂ that is essential to human nutrition

… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.

—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.

—S. Boyd Eaton