vi|ta|min

vi|ta|min or vi|ta|mine «VY tuh mihn», noun, adjective.

–n.

any one of certain special substances necessary for the normal growth and proper nourishment of the body, found especially in milk, butter, raw fruits and vegetables, brewers' yeast, the outside part of wheat, and cod-liver oil. Lack of vitamins in food causes such diseases as rickets and scurvy, as well as general poor health.

–adj.

of or containing vitamins: »

He protected himself against a vitamin deficiency by taking vitamin tablets.

╂[< Latin vīta life + English amine (because it was originally thought to be an amine derivative)]