niacin

[ nahy-uh-sin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. nicotinic acid.

niacin

/ ˈnaɪəsɪn /

noun

1. another name for nicotinic acid

niacin

/ nī′ə-sĭn /

1. A water-soluble organic acid belonging to the vitamin B complex that is important in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a pyridine derivative and is a precursor of the coenzyme NAD. Niacin is found in liver, fish, and whole-grain foods. Deficiency of niacin in the diet causes pellagra . Also called nicotinic acid. Chemical formula: C 6 H 5 NO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of niacin¹

First recorded in 1935–40; ni(cotinic) ac(id) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of niacin¹

C20: from ni ( cotinic ) ac ( id ) + -in