vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: such as

a

or vitamin D₂

-ˈdē-ˈtü 

: calciferol

b

or vitamin D₃

-ˈdē-ˈthrē 

: cholecalciferol

Examples of vitamin D in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Certain factors can put children at higher risk for type 1 diabetes, such as having a first-degree relative with the disease, having had certain viruses, including enteroviruses, or living in the northern latitudes, further away from the equator, which can impact vitamin D intake. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 10 June 2024

Macaroni and Cheese Macaroni and cheese provide iron from the pasta, as well as potassium and vitamin D from the cheese and milk. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 9 June 2024

Therefore, a great number of people may benefit from vitamin D supplementation. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

The research has also suggested a role for a certain type of vitamin D (gamma-tocopherol) that appears to calm the eosinophil response to pollution. —Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any of several vitamins that are needed for normal bone and tooth structure, and are found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or are produced in response to ultraviolet light

Medical Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: as

a

: calciferol

b

: cholecalciferol

called also sunshine vitamin