riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

ˈrī-bə-ˌflā-

: 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

Examples of riboflavin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tempeh is also high in several vitamins and minerals, like riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, and manganese. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 June 2025

The B vitamins in sunflower seeds include thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, and vitamin B-6. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

Human milk continues to provide important nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and riboflavin, which support your toddler's growth and development. —Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

These include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and iron.11 To compensate for these nutrient losses, vitamins are added back in amounts similar to what is lost. —Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riboflavin

• craven
• flavin
• graven
• haven
• maven
• pavan
• raven
• shaven
• engraven
• unshaven

Kids Definition

riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that helps growth and is found both free (as in milk) and combined with other substances (as in liver)

called also vitamin B₂

Medical Definition

riboflavin

noun

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

variants also riboflavine

-ˌvēn 

: 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