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

According to clinical literature, the human body lacks the functional gene (GULO) to synthesize ascorbic acid endogenously, meaning our vitamin C pool can be fully depleted within as little as one to three months on a deficient diet. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

For example, a serum containing vitamin C and ferulic acid may provide an additional layer of defense against free-radical damage from UV exposure and environmental pollution. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 5 June 2026

Eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruit, can help your body better absorb iron. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026

For this reason, natural flavors or vitamin C are sometimes added in to restore the flavor and nutrients. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vitamin C

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee
• assignee

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