vitamins
|vi-ta-mins|
🇺🇸
/ˈvaɪtəmɪnz/
🇬🇧
/ˈvɪtəmɪnz/
(vitamin)
essential nutrient
Etymology
'vitamin' originates from Polish, specifically the word 'witamina', coined from Latin 'vita' meaning 'life' and 'amine' referring to an amine compound.
'vitamin' was coined in Polish as 'witamina' in the early 20th century (credited to Casimir Funk, 1912) combining Latin 'vita' + 'amine', and then adopted into English as 'vitamin'.
Initially it referred specifically to an 'amine necessary for life', but over time it came to mean any of a group of organic compounds essential in small amounts for health, not all of which are amines.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
one of a group of organic compounds required in small amounts in the diet for normal growth, metabolism, and health.
Many people take vitamins to make sure they get enough nutrients.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a tablet, capsule, or liquid taken as a dietary supplement that provides one or more vitamins.
She bought vitamin C and iron vitamins at the pharmacy.
Synonyms
Noun 3
something that restores energy, health, or vigor; a beneficial or strengthening influence (used figuratively).
A short holiday acted like vitamins for their tired team.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/26 03:46