riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

ˈrī-bə-ˌflā-

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ of the vitamin B complex that occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver) as a component of coenzymes (such as FMN) which are essential to normal metabolism

called also vitamin B₂

Examples of riboflavin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include vitamin C and B vitamins (like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, sodium, and potassium. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Bulgur is particularly rich in fiber and B vitamins—such as riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine—which have heart-protective effects. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Prioritize whole grains Whole grain foods provide not only dietary fiber, but also a plethora of vitamins and minerals, like riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, and more. —Toby Amidor, Ms, Rd, Parents, 12 Sep. 2024

In India, insufficient intakes of riboflavin, folate and vitamins B6 and B12 were especially high, while poor calcium intake was highest in south and east Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary ribo- + Latin flavus yellow — more at blue

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən 

: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex that helps growth and is found both free (as in milk) and combined with other substances (as in liver)

called also vitamin B₂

Medical Definition

riboflavin

noun

ri·​bo·​fla·​vin ˌrī-bə-ˈflā-vən, ˈrī-bə-ˌ 

variants also riboflavine

-ˌvēn 

: a yellow crystalline compound C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆ that is a growth-promoting member of the vitamin B complex and occurs both free (as in milk) and combined (as in liver)

called also lactoflavin, ovoflavin, vitamin B₂