folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˈfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and occurs chiefly in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also pteroylglutamic acid

Examples of folic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The move to require folic acid in corn masa aims to particularly benefit Latina women, who are less likely to take it early on in pregnancy, according to public health data released by the state. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

The department said that 70 percent of neural tube birth defects can been avoided if sufficient folic acid is taken prior to conception. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Corn tortillas in California now must contain folic acid. —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

At age 28, pregnant with her first child, Andrea Lopez didn’t know about the importance of folic acid or that the vitamin might be missing from her diet. —CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin folium

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for folic acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin of the B complex used especially in the treatment of anemia resulting from inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- 

: a crystalline vitamin C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, that is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and that occurs especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also folacin, folate, Lactobacillus casei factor, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin B_c, vitamin M