vitamin A

American  

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.

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vitamin A British  

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

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vitamin A Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of vitamin A

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In addition, it supplies several vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

From Science Daily

With these new compounds, the researchers were finally able to explain a long-standing paradox surrounding vitamin A and cancer.

From Science Daily

But any amount of potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and C — all key nutrients in banana water — is helpful, King says.

From Los Angeles Times

A local Lubbock news outlet reported on a large drugstore where vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil, which contains high levels of vitamin A, were “flying off the shelf.”

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