vitamin C

noun

: a water-soluble vitamin C6H8O6 found in plants and especially in fruits and leafy vegetables or made synthetically and used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy and as an antioxidant for foods

called also ascorbic acid

Examples of vitamin C in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its signature SuperVitamin blend now has five times the vitamins, including niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help repair skin damage, panthenol (vitamin B5) to nourish and replenish moisture, and vitamin C to visibly brighten the complexion over time. — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 2 Sep. 2026 Pineapple Pineapple contains vitamin C and bromelain, a natural enzyme with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. — Alexandria Nyembwe, HEALTH, 29 Aug. 2026 Among the spa’s skin care offerings, no facial compares to Cara Dorada, which infuses Reiki energy into the Knesko Nano Gold mask for face, neck, and décolleté and adds in organic vitamin C-rich Maya Chia for a golden glow. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Niacinamide and vitamin C can help brighten and even out skin tone. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vitamin C

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitamin C was circa 1920

Rhymes for vitamin C

See All Rhymes for vitamin C

Browse Nearby Words

vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vitamin C.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20C. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vitamin C

noun
: a vitamin that is present especially in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables and is needed by the body to prevent scurvy

called also ascorbic acid

Medical Definition

vitamin C

noun
: a water-soluble vitamin C6H8O6 found in plants and especially in fruits and leafy vegetables or made synthetically and used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy and as an antioxidant for foods

called also ascorbic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin C

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vitamin C

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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