riboflavin

noun ri·bo·fla·vin \ ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən , ˈrī-bə-ˌflā- \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Definition of riboflavin

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ of the vitamin B complex that occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver) as a component of coenzymes (such as FMN) which are essential to normal metabolism — called also vitamin B₂

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Recent Examples of riboflavin from the Web

Maple’s advocates also tout it as a source of minerals such as manganese and riboflavin.

— jason wilson, charlotteobserver, "Vermont’s maple syrup business is booming, thanks to technology and changing tastes," 4 May 2018
And this nutrient-dense veggie is also loaded with riboflavin, (vitamin B2), which studies have found could reduce a woman's risk of developing PMS by 35%. 4.

— amy capetta, Woman's Day, "10 Foods That Fight Off ALL Your PMS Symptoms," 19 June 2015
Maple’s advocates also tout it as a source of minerals such as manganese and riboflavin.

— jason wilson, sacbee, "Vermont industry turns over a new leaf | The Sacramento Bee," 24 Apr. 2018
Truth be told, mushrooms supply several key nutrients — the B vitamins niacin, riboflavin, folate and B6, as well as iron, potassium and selenium.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Mushrooms supply B vitamins along with a nice dose of D," 31 Mar. 2018
His Washington-area surgeon, Dr. Rajesh Rajpal, treated his eye with riboflavin (or vitamin B2) drops for 30 minutes and then blasted it with ultraviolet light for another 30.

— childs walker, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams seeing more clearly after surgery to combat eye condition," 14 Mar. 2018
The leaves and tubers are nutritious, providing protein, niacin, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, B6 and thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Tips for growing sweet potatoes in Idaho | Idaho Statesman," 7 Mar. 2018
The pawpaw is a great source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin and manganese.

— jasper j. mirabile jr., kansascity, "Pawpaws are a fruit native to Missouri that the Founding Fathers enjoyed," 19 Oct. 2017
Read more: Often thought of as a nutrition lightweight, mushrooms supply some key nutrients, including niacin and riboflavin.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Mushroom, Onion and Parmesan Tartlets," 15 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'riboflavin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of riboflavin

International Scientific Vocabulary ribo- + Latin flavus yellow — more at blue

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First Known Use: 1935

in the meaning defined above

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RIBOFLAVIN Defined for English Language Learners

riboflavin

noun

Definition of riboflavin for English Language Learners

: a natural substance (called a vitamin) that is found in certain foods (such as milk, eggs, and leafy vegetables) and that helps your body to be healthy

Medical Dictionary

riboflavin

noun ri·bo·fla·vin \ ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən, ˈrī-bə-ˌ \

variants: also riboflavine play \-ˌvēn\

medical Definition of riboflavin

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ that is a growth-promoting member of the vitamin B complex and occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver) — called also lactoflavin, ovoflavin, vitamin B₂