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

Their vitamin C body oils smell great, and adding them to my bath makes me feel productive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid to help with hydration, peptides for skin plumping, retinals for fine lines and vitamin C for brightening the under-eye area.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

"Be sure to get adequate protein and include foods rich in vitamin C like strawberries, kiwis, red bell peppers, and citrus fruits."

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2026

Scientists at the University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine -- Christchurch Ōtautahi, have identified a direct connection between how much vitamin C people eat and how well their skin produces collagen and renews itself.

From Science Daily • Dec. 26, 2025

It was empty except for some vitamin C tablets I’d got from the infirmary.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt