vitamin D

noun

1. any of the several fat-soluble, antirachitic vitamins D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , occurring in milk and fish-liver oils, especially cod and halibut, or obtained by irradiating provitamin D with ultraviolet light, essential for the formation of normal bones and teeth.

vitamin D

noun

1. any of the fat-soluble vitamins, including calciferol and cholecalciferol, occurring in fish-liver oils (esp cod-liver oil), milk, butter, and eggs: used in the treatment of rickets and osteomalacia

vitamin D

1. Any of a group of fat-soluble sterols necessary for normal bone growth, especially vitamin D ₂ (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D ₃ (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is found in milk, fish, and eggs and can be produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight. A deficiency of vitamin D in the diet causes rickets in children.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitamin D¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Some UV radiation is crucial for our wellbeing, enabling our skin to produce essential vitamin D, but too much can be dangerous.

From BBC

He probably just needed some downtime, decompressing, healthy juices and vitamin D to get him back on track.

From Los Angeles Times

I’d want her to take vitamin D supplements and collagen as a routine.

From Los Angeles Times

Nutritionally, mushrooms are great sources of fiber and vitamin D and wild forage mushrooms reportedly have more added benefits.

From Salon

However, the evidence around vitamin D is hotly debated rather than being a firm no.

From BBC