vitamin C

noun

: a water-soluble vitamin C6H8O6 found in plants and especially in fruits and leafy vegetables or made synthetically and used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy and as an antioxidant for foods

called also ascorbic acid

Examples of vitamin C in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This creates greater absorption, connecting vitamin C directly to the cell membrane. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 The formula also includes antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and cranberry fruit extract that help to brighten, hydrate, and protect your skin from environmental damage. Essence Wiley, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026 But remediating the source of lead in a home and regularly cleaning old homes to keep dust at a minimum can make a real difference, as can healthy eating, particularly with iron-, calcium- and vitamin C-rich foods, which can help deter the absorption of lead in the body, Davis said. Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026 Scurvy comes from severe malnutrition and vitamin C deficiency. Cate Martel, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vitamin C

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitamin C was circa 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vitamin C.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20C. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

vitamin C

noun
: a vitamin that is present especially in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables and is needed by the body to prevent scurvy

called also ascorbic acid

Medical Definition

vitamin C

noun
: a water-soluble vitamin C6H8O6 found in plants and especially in fruits and leafy vegetables or made synthetically and used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy and as an antioxidant for foods

called also ascorbic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin C

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster