vitamin A

noun

1. a yellow, fat-soluble, solid terpene alcohol, C 20 H 30 O, obtained from carotene and occurring in green and yellow vegetables, egg yolk, etc.: essential to growth, the protection of epithelial tissue, and the prevention of night blindness.

vitamin A

noun

1. Also called: vitamin A1.  retinol. a fat-soluble yellow unsaturated alcohol occurring in green and yellow vegetables (esp carrots), butter, egg yolk, and fish-liver oil (esp halibut oil). It is essential for the prevention of night blindness and the protection of epithelial tissue. Formula: C 20 H 30 O

vitamin A

1. A fat-soluble vitamin important for normal vision, tissue growth, and healthy skin. It is found in fish-liver oils, milk, green leafy vegetables, and red, orange, and yellow vegetables and fruits. A deficiency of vitamin A in humans causes poor vision at night and damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Also called retinol. Chemical formula: C ₂₀ H ₃₀ O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitamin A¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, blindness, and dire abnormalities during fetal development.

From Salon

He realised the participants receiving benefits struggled to access proper nutrition, including consuming vitamins like vitamin A, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium.

From BBC

In other comments though, he described vaccination as a "personal choice" and emphasised alternative treatments such as vitamin A supplements.

From BBC

He's been telling parents to overdose kids with vitamin A, which can cause liver damage.

From Salon

In one of several Mennonite-owned natural-health stores in Seminole, dozens of bottles of cod liver oil - a supplement that contains vitamin A - are on display.

From BBC