vitamin A

noun

: any of several fat-soluble vitamins (such as retinol) that are found especially in green or orange vegetables (such as carrots or spinach) and in animal products (such as egg yolk, butter, or liver) and whose deficiency in the animal body causes epithelial tissues to become keratinous (as in the eye with resulting visual defects)

Examples of vitamin A in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sour cherries have fewer sugars than sweet cherries and contain more vitamin A and beta carotene, which are beneficial for skin and eye health. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 11 Aug. 2025

Goji berries contain a variety of micronutrients (including vitamin A, B vitamins and zinc) and macronutrients (like protein and fiber). —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025

These methods will prolong shelf life and maintain optimal flavor and texture. Peaches and nectarines contain high levels of micronutrients, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, niacin, magnesium, and phosphorus. —Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025

Breakfast Wrap Sweet potatoes and whole grains are naturally high in fiber and vitamin A, making this a nutritious way to start your day. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vitamin A

noun

: any of several vitamins or a mixture of them that are found especially in green and orange vegetables (as carrots or spinach) and animal products (as egg yolk, butter, or liver) and are needed especially for good vision

Medical Definition

vitamin A

noun

: any of several fat-soluble vitamins or a mixture of two or more of them whose lack in the animal body causes keratinization of epithelial tissues (as in the eye with resulting night blindness and xerophthalmia): as

a

: a pale yellow crystalline highly unsaturated alicyclic alcohol C₂₀H₂₉OH that is found in animal products (as egg yolk, milk, and butter) and especially in marine fish-liver oils (as of cod, halibut, and shark) and that is used in various forms in medicine and nutrition

called also retinol, vitamin A₁

b

: a yellow viscous liquid alicyclic alcohol C₂₀H₂₇OH that contains one more double bond in a molecule than vitamin A₁ and is less active biologically in mammals and that occurs especially in the liver oil of freshwater fish

called also vitamin A₂