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

Milk contains water, fat, protein, lactose, vitamins and minerals. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

That includes fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E, plus important minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 11 Apr. 2024

Water soluble vitamins are more easily affected by cooking methods than fat soluble vitamins. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2024

According to a 2023 survey, 74% of U.S. adults take vitamins, prebiotics and the like. —Katie Suleta, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2024

The formula has evolved over the years to now include skin-boosting vitamins and amino acids. —Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024

Of course, vitamin C is also essential for building collagen, which helps skin stay firm, glowy, and wrinkle-free. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024

One jalapeno pepper, for example, packs vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants, which protect your cells against damage. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Doctors prescribed painkillers and vitamins for her back and abdominal pain, but every appointment cost her a day’s wages and a fee for missing work. —Qadri Inzamam Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 24 Mar. 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 B complex
• vitamin E
• vitamin B6
• vitamin H
• vitamin C
• vitamin K3
• vitamin D3

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