Vitamin

Definition

Vitamin is a noun referring to an organic compound that is essential in small quantities for normal growth and nutrition and cannot be synthesized by the body, requiring dietary intake.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvaɪ.tə.mɪn/
• Respelling: VY-tuh-min

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɪt.ə.mɪn/
• Respelling: VIT-uh-min

Etymology

The word "vitamin" originates from "vital amine," a term coined in 1912 by Polish biochemist Casimir Funk, based on the belief that these substances were amines essential for life. The term later evolved as it was discovered that not all vitamins are amines.

Derivatives

• Vitaminate (verb, rare)
• Vitaminic (adjective)
• Vitaminous (adjective, rare)
• Multivitamin (noun)
• Vitaminize (verb)

Synonyms

• Supplement
• Nutrient
• Micronutrient

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "vitamin" is commonly used in contexts related to health and nutrition, as in "A daily intake of vitamins is essential for maintaining good health." It is also used in dietary advice, such as "This fruit is rich in vitamin C."

Related Terms

• Mineral: Inorganic substances needed in small amounts for body functions.
• Dietary supplement: Products taken to supplement a diet, often containing vitamins.
• Enzyme: Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, often requiring vitamins as cofactors.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An organic compound required in small amounts for normal growth and nutrition: Refers to substances that must be ingested as the body cannot synthesize them.
  • Example: "Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones."
• A dietary supplement containing such compounds: Refers to pills or powders formulated to provide essential vitamins.
  • Example: "She takes a multivitamin every morning."