Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

tocopherol

[toh-kof-uh-rawl, -rol]
See more synonyms for tocopherol on Thesaurus.com
noun Biochemistry.
  1. one of several alcohols that constitute the dietary factor known as vitamin E, occurring in wheat-germ oil, lettuce or spinach leaves, egg yolk, etc.
Show More
Compare vitamin E.

Origin of tocopherol

1935–40; < Greek tóko(s) child, childbirth + phér(ein) to carry, bear1 + -ol1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for tocopherol

tocopherol

noun
  1. biochem any of a group of fat-soluble alcohols that occur in wheat-germ oil, watercress, lettuce, egg yolk, etc. They are thought to be necessary for healthy human reproductionAlso called: vitamin E
Show More

Word Origin

C20: from toco-, from Greek tokos offspring (see tocology) + -pher-, from pherein to bear + -ol 1
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
tocopherol in Medicine

tocopherol

(tō-kŏf′ə-rôl′, -rōl′)
n.
  1. Any of a group of closely related, fat-soluble alcohols that behave similarly to vitamin E and are present in milk, lettuce, and wheat germ oil and certain other vegetable oils.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
tocopherol in Science

tocopherol

[tō-kŏf′ə-rôl′, -rōl′]
  1. Any of a group of closely related, fat-soluble alcohols that are types of vitamin E, especially alpha-tocopherol.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.