biotin

[ bahy-uh-tin ]

/ ˈbaɪ ə tɪn /

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noun Biochemistry.

a crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, C10H16O3N2S, of the vitamin B complex, that is present in all living cells and functions as a growth factor and as a catalyst in carboxylation reactions.

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Also called vitamin H.

Origin of biotin

1935–40; <German Biotin<Greek biotḗ life + -in-in²

Words nearby biotin

biotelemetry, bioterrorism, biotic, biotic factor, biotic potential, biotin, biotite, biotope, biotransformation, biotron, biotroph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for biotin

biotin

/ (ˈbaɪətɪn) /

noun

a vitamin of the B complex, abundant in egg yolk and liver, deficiency of which causes dermatitis and loss of hair. Formula: C 10 H 16 N 2 O 3 SSee also avidin

Word Origin for biotin

C20: biot- from Greek biotē life, way of life + -in

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for biotin

biotin

[ bī′ə-tĭn ]

A water-soluble organic acid belonging to the vitamin B complex that is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids. It is also a cofactor for some coenzymes that catalyze the synthesis of organic acids in the body. Biotin is found in liver, egg yolks, milk, yeast, and some vegetables. Chemical formula: C10H16N2O3S.