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

See Examples For:

vitamin A

Those which are particularly toxic to the liver when taken in high doses include vitamin A, glutamine, ashwagandha and green tea extract.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2026

High doses of vitamin D or vitamin A can cause toxicity.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 6, 2026

Some were linked to retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A that is known to promote neuronal differentiation.

From Science Daily ● May 27, 2026

The secretary downplayed last year’s measles outbreak in West Texas and promoted vitamin A, which is not a substitute for vaccination or a viable treatment.

From Salon ● Apr. 22, 2026

Most of the nuts are especially noteworthy in high vitamin A and B1 content.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 41st Annual Meeting Pleasant Valley, New York, August 28, 29 and 30, 1950 by Northern Nut Growers Association