Definitions
01essential nutrient
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Medicine
n. a natural substance in food, like fruit or vegetables, that helps your body work correctly and stay strong.
n. any of a group of organic substances that are essential in small amounts to maintaining normal health and metabolic functions.
“Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which helps your body fight colds.”
“A balanced diet typically provides all the necessary vitamins, though some people require supplements to address specific nutritional deficiencies.”
Usage
Often followed by a letter (A, B, C, etc.) to specify the type.
Synonyms
02health-giving thing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal · Humorous
n. a word used before another word to suggest that something is very good for your health or spirit.
n. used figuratively and informally before a noun or letter to imply that the referent promotes wellness or vitality.
“I call my morning walk 'vitamin N' because being in nature makes me feel better.”
“The coach described the team's weekend retreat as 'vitamin S' for the soul, emphasizing its restorative effect on their morale.”
Teaching tip
This is a creative, non-literal use of the word often seen in lifestyle blogs or casual conversation.
03to add vitamins
C2 · Proficiency Science Archaic · Technical
v. to add vitamins to food during the manufacturing process.
v. to fortify or enrich a food product with supplemental vitamins.
“In the past, some companies tried to vitamin their products to make them seem healthier.”
“Early twentieth-century efforts to vitamin white flour were met with both public enthusiasm and regulatory scrutiny.”
Usage
This transitive verb form is rare in modern English; 'fortify' or 'enrich' is preferred.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “vitamin” in context.
Verb
01. absorb vitamins
“The body needs healthy fats to properly absorb vitamins like A, D, E, and K.”
verb + noun
02. contain essential vitamins
“Leafy green vegetables contain essential vitamins that support your immune system.”
verb + adj + noun
03. take a vitamin
“I take a multivitamin every morning to ensure I get all the necessary nutrients.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. synthetic vitamin
“Some people prefer natural food sources over taking a synthetic vitamin supplement.”
adj + noun
05. water-soluble vitamin
“Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body does not store it for long.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. intake of vitamins
“Athletes often monitor their daily intake of vitamins to maintain peak performance.”
noun + of + noun
07. vitamin deficiency
“A severe vitamin deficiency can lead to various health problems like fatigue and bone pain.”
noun + noun
08. vitamin supplement
“If you don't eat enough fruit, you might need a vitamin supplement to stay healthy.”
noun + noun
Preposition
09. rich in vitamins
“Berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a perfect snack.”
adj + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Vitamin C did not affect how long mild symptoms lasted.” “The researchers also examined whether the form of vitamin D made a difference.” Etymology
1920, originally vitamine (1912), from Latin vīta (“life”) (see vital) + amine (see amino acids). Vitamine coined by Polish biochemist Casimir Funk after the initial discovery of aberic acid (thiamine), when it was thought that all such nutrients would be amines. The term had become ubiquitous by the time it was discovered that vitamin C, among others, had no amine component. In 1920, British biochemist Jack Drummond proposed that the final -e be dropped to deemphasize the amine reference. The ending -in was acceptable because it was used for natural substances of undefined composition. Drummond also introduced the lettering system of nomenclature (Vitamin A, B, C, etc.) at this same time.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR