What does vitamin mean?
A vitamin is an organic compound needed by the body in small amounts to support normal growth, metabolism, immune function, and other essential processes. Vitamins are obtained through foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other dietary sources, while some are also synthesized by the body or produced through exposure to sunlight. The term may additionally denote a preparation sold as a supplement. Although people often describe vitamins as giving the body energy, the vitamins themselves do not provide calories; they enable the chemical processes that release energy from food. They are commonly discussed in relation to nutrition, medicine, food labeling, and public health, especially in connection with dietary deficiencies and balanced diets. The word has a particularly memorable origin: Polish biochemist Casimir Funk coined it in 1912 from Latin vita, meaning “life,” and the chemical term amine, after initially investigating substances he believed to contain amines and to be necessary for life. Later research established that not all vitamins are amines, but the name remained.
nounAn organic compound essential in small amounts for normal growth, metabolism, and bodily function, obtained from food or produced within the body. The term can also refer to a preparation containing one or more vitamins.
- An organic compound that the body requires in small amounts for normal growth, metabolism, and functioning.
- A food or pharmaceutical preparation containing one or more vitamins, especially when taken as a supplement.
"Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D."
"Leafy greens provide several essential vitamins and minerals."
"The pharmacist recommended a vitamin supplement during the winter months."
The standard plural of vitamin; it refers to multiple vitamin compounds or to several individual vitamins.
"She takes vitamins to supplement her diet during winter."
The word “vitamin” was coined in 1912 from Latin vita, “life,” and amine, reflecting the belief that these life-giving compounds all contained an amine group.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vitamin come from?
The word vitamin was coined in 1912 by Polish biochemist Casimir Funk. He formed it from Latin vita, “life,” and amine, because the substances he studied were thought to contain an amine group and appeared necessary for life. He initially used the form vitamine; the shorter spelling vitamin became standard as research showed that not all vitamins contain amines.
Related word forms
How vitamin is actually used
The word is neutral and is used in both formal and informal contexts. Vitamins provide essential micronutrients but do not themselves supply calories or energy; their energy contribution is indirect. There is no significant regional difference between standard British and American usage.
Easily confused with vitamin
Vitamine is a less common variant spelling associated especially with French and German usage, not a different kind of nutrient.