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

Example Sentences

This cereal contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Did you remember to take your vitamin?

Recent Examples on the Web

It's hand-harvested from the Black Sea and features vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, sulfur, and potassium. —Erika Veurink, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023

And vinegar contains vitamins, healthy compounds, and amino acids. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 May 2023

The mushroom is full of vitamins and minerals, improves overall immunity, and has shown promise in treating cancer. —Bill Heavey, Field & Stream, 11 May 2023

Other good sources of protein—such as chicken, beef, eggs, tofu, nuts, and beans—also provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the body needs. —Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Rd, Cdn, Cdces, Health, 10 May 2023

As the product name suggests, the magic ingredient in this gentle face wash is rice water, which is rich in vitamins and minerals to nourish dry skin. —Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 May 2023

Featuring seven vitamins, three minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, and amino acids for under 15 calories per bottle, this fancy water is nothing to scoff at. —Meg Donohue, ELLE, 9 May 2023

In addition to their heart-healthy mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, some nuts contain inflammation-fighting omega-3s, antioxidants, and other beneficial vitamins and minerals, says Melissa Halas-Liang, R.D. —Jill Waldbieser, Men's Health, 5 May 2023

With its unique blend of adaptogenic herbs and vitamins, Stress Factors provides a natural way to manage stress levels, without the need for pharmaceuticals. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2023

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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 B12
• vitamin B
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin B2
• vitamin B6
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K
• vitamin H
• vitamin D2
• vitamin D3
• vitamin K2
• vitamin B1
• vitamin K1

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• B vitamin
• vitamin A
• vitamin B12
• vitamin B
• vitamin B complex
• vitamin C
• vitamin B2
• vitamin B6
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K
• vitamin H
• vitamin D2
• vitamin D3
• vitamin K2
• vitamin B1
• vitamin K1

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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