vitamins
English meaning: Vitamins
Definition
Any of a specific group of organic compounds essential in small quantities for healthy human growth, metabolism, development, and body function; found in minute amounts in plant and animal foods or sometimes produced synthetically; deficiencies of specific vitamins produce specific disorders.
Example
“The doctor advised her to take vitamins during the winter months.”
Another example: “Fresh citrus fruits are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Everyday plural noun in health, nutrition, and medical contexts. Refers to essential micronutrients (A, B, C, D, etc.). Common in supermarket, dietary, and supplement language.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Coined in 1912 by biochemist Casimir Funk from Latin 'vita' (life) plus 'amine', originally 'vitamine', later shortened.
Synonyms
- nutrients
- micronutrients
- supplements
Related Words
- thiamin
- riboflavin
- niacin
- thiamine
- folic
- pyridoxine
- biotin
- antioxidants
- folate
- vitamin
Common Collocations
- vitamins and minerals
- take vitamins
- essential vitamins
- vitamin supplements
- rich in vitamins
Word Forms
vitamin (sing.); vitamins (pl.)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B