folic acid

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a water-soluble vitamin that is converted to a coenzyme essential to purine and thymine biosynthesis: deficiency causes a form of anemia.

folic acid

/ ˈfɒl-, ˈfəʊleɪt, ˈfəʊlɪk /

noun

1. Also called: folacin. any of a group of vitamins of the B complex, including pteroylglutamic acid and its derivatives: used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia

folic acid

1. A water-soluble vitamin belonging to the vitamin B complex that is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and important in embryonic development. It is also the parent compound of coenzymes in various metabolic reactions. Folic acid is found especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, and fresh fruit. Deficiency of folic acid in the diet results in anemia. Chemical formula: C ₁₉ H ₁₉ N ₇ O ₆ .

Other Word Forms

• folate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of folic acid¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Word History and Origins

Origin of folic acid¹

C20: from Latin folium leaf; so called because it may be obtained from green leaves