vitamin
|vi/ta/min|
🇺🇸
/ˈvaɪtəmɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˈvɪtəmɪn/
essential nutrient
Etymology
'vitamin' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vita,' meaning 'life,' and the suffix '-amine,' which was initially thought to be a necessary component of these compounds.
'vitamin' was coined in the early 20th century from the combination of 'vita' and 'amine,' reflecting the belief that these compounds were amines essential for life.
Initially, it was believed that all vitamins were amines, but this understanding has evolved, and the term now refers to a broader category of essential nutrients.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an organic compound that is essential for normal growth and nutrition, usually required in small quantities in the diet because it cannot be synthesized by the body.
Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/22 07:19