cod-liver oil

[ kod-liv-er ]

noun

1. a pale-yellow, fixed oil, extracted from the liver of the common cod or of allied species, used in medicine chiefly as a source of vitamins A and D.

cod-liver oil

noun

1. an oil extracted from the livers of cod and related fish, rich in vitamins A and D and used to treat deficiency of these vitamins

Word History and Origins

Origin of cod-liver oil¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

“So much nicer than cod liver oil, my mother used to say,” she wrote.

From The Daily Beast

A very small amount may be present after ingestion of large quantities of cod-liver oil or other fats.

From Project Gutenberg

What else there is of value in cod-liver oil besides the grease we do not know.

From Project Gutenberg

Most pharmacologists believe that whatever virtue there is in cod-liver oil depends on its qualities as an easily assimilable fat.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet oftentimes we find such persons persevering in taking fat or even cod-liver oil, in order to put on flesh.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, this is greatly because the cod-liver oil is capital food.

From Project Gutenberg