vitamin
pronunciation
How to pronounce vitamin in British English:
UK [ˈvɪtəmɪn]
How to pronounce vitamin in American English:
US [ˈvaɪtəmɪn]
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- Noun:
- any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism
Word Origin
- vitamin
- vitamin: [20] Vitamins were originally vitamines: the Polish-born biochemist Casimir Funk who introduced them to the world in 1920 believed that they were amino acids and so formed the name from Latin vita ‘life’ and amine. It was soon discovered that Funk’s belief was mistaken, and alternative names were suggested, but in 1920 it was successfully proposed (by J.C. Drummond) that the -e be dropped to avoid confusion, and the form vitamin was born.=> amine, vital
- vitamin (n.)
- 1920, originally vitamine (1912) coined by Polish biochemist Casimir Funk (1884-1967), from Latin vita "life" (see vital) + amine, because they were thought to contain amino acids. The terminal -e formally was stripped off when scientists learned the true nature of the substance; -in was acceptable because it was used for neutral substances of undefined composition. The lettering system of nomenclature (Vitamin A, B, C, etc.) was introduced at the same time (1920).
Example
- 1. The news on vitamin e has been more mixed .
- 2. Fresh rocket leaves contain good levels of vitamin c .
- 3. Can vitamin d replace flu shots ?
- 4. Vitamin c is water soluble anti-oxidant .
- 5. Vitamin c helps boost the immune system .