vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: such as

a

or vitamin D₂

-ˈdē-ˈtü 

: calciferol

b

or vitamin D₃

-ˈdē-ˈthrē 

: cholecalciferol

Examples of vitamin D in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There have been no reports of adverse events attributed to the elevated levels of vitamin D in the recalled product, according to the FDA, which was determined through routine testing. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2024

Some vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D may also help. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Another research published in the National Library of Medicine highlights that conditions like ADHD and ASD are worsened by low levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Going outside will help increase vitamin D levels with exposure to UV light, and the outdoors can improve mood and make people happier. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any of several vitamins that are needed for normal bone and tooth structure, and are found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or are produced in response to ultraviolet light

Medical Definition

vitamin D

noun

: any or all of several fat-soluble vitamins chemically related to steroids, essential for normal bone and tooth structure, and found especially in fish-liver oils, egg yolk, and milk or produced by activation (as by ultraviolet irradiation) of sterols: as

a

: calciferol

b

: cholecalciferol

called also sunshine vitamin