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biotin

[ bahy-uh-tin ]
/ ˈbaɪ ə tɪn /

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

bioterrorism, biotherapy, biotic, biotic factor, biotic potential, biotin, biotinide, biotite, biotope, biotoxicology, biotoxin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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

Medical definitions for biotin

biotin
[ bī′ə-tĭn ]

n.

A colorless crystalline vitamin of the vitamin B complex, essential for the activity of many enzyme systems and found in large quantities in liver, egg yolk, milk, and yeast.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.