Vitamines

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Organic compounds essential in small amounts for normal metabolism and health ; substances that the body cannot synthesize in adequate quantities and must be obtained through diet ; micronutrients involved in various biochemical functions and maintaining physiological processes
2. Naturally occurring nutrients required in minute doses to support vital body functions ; chemical agents obtained from food that prevent deficiency diseases and promote growth ; essential bioactive compounds needed for enzymatic activities and overall well-being
3. Crucial dietary components present in food that support metabolic pathways and prevent malnutrition ; organic molecules that the organism must ingest because they cannot be produced internally ; compounds that assist in cell repair, immunity, and energy production processes

Etymology: This is the plural of "vitamine," an older spelling of "vitamin" that ended in a silent e. The singular combines Latin "vita," meaning life, with "amine," a chemical term for a class of nitrogen compounds, because these substances were first thought to be amines. The name was based on a guess that turned out to be wrong, but the word kept its "vita" part, which points to the idea that these nutrients are essential to life.

Synonyms: vitamins, nutrients, micronutrients, dietary supplements