biotin

noun

bi·​o·​tin ˈbī-ə-tən 

: a colorless crystalline growth vitamin C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk

Examples of biotin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More research is needed to determine if biotin is an effective treatment for alopecia areata. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

The benefits of brewer’s yeast have been known for millennia and rival hair-growing supplements like biotin and folic acid. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025

Specific vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are essential for nail growth, adds Dr. Patel, and deficiencies can not only lead to slow-growing nails, but also brittle or ridged ones. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025

It’s packed with conditioning ingredients like biotin, but comes in colors that are just as opaque as regular polish. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek biotos life, sustenance; akin to Greek bios

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

biotin

noun

bi·​o·​tin ˈbī-ə-tən 

: a growth vitamin of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk

Medical Definition

biotin

noun

bi·​o·​tin ˈbī-ət-ən 

: a colorless crystalline growth vitamin C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk

called also vitamin H