vitamin C

American  

noun

1. ascorbic acid.

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vitamin C British  

noun

1. another name for ascorbic acid

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vitamin C Scientific  

1. A water-soluble vitamin important for healthy skin, teeth, bones, and blood vessels. It is found especially in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and green leafy vegetables. A deficiency of vitamin C in the diet causes scurvy. Also called ascorbic acid. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₈ O ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of vitamin C

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vitamin C

Australia has not set an upper limit for vitamin C, due to inconclusive evidence.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

Similar to the other study, regular vitamin C supplements showed a reduction in severity of symptoms in children and adults by 8–14%.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

Multiple studies conducted since the ones Pauling analyzed show that if there is an effect on vitamin C and colds, it’s minimal.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

Late in his career, though, he became famous for something very different: a passionate belief that very high doses of vitamin C could help people with cancer.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026

Belle picked up the economy jug of chewable vitamin C she kept behind the register and shook it at me.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead