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

Pecan Butter Pecans contain a variety of anti-inflammatory substances, including alpha-tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, which may benefit brain health.242526 Pecans are also an excellent source of dietary fiber. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 27 Oct. 2025

Most vitamin E supplements come in the form of alpha-tocopherol and provide higher amounts than the RDA (67 mg or 100 IU).1 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning fat is needed for absorption. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025

And some ingredients that are unrecognizable to many people may actually be vitamins, Dr. Nestle said, like sodium ascorbate (vitamin C), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E). —New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alpha-tocopherol

• beryl
• feral
• karel
• peril
• seral
• sterile
• sterol
• carbaryl
• glyceryl
• imperil
• cholesteryl
• sitosterol

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