calciferol
a fat-soluble, crystalline, unsaturated alcohol, C28H43OH, occurring in milk, fish-liver oils, etc., produced by ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol, and used as a dietary supplement, as in fortified milk.
Origin of calciferol
1- Also called vitamin D2.
Words Nearby calciferol
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for calciferol
/ (kælˈsɪfərɒl) /
a fat-soluble steroid, found esp in fish-liver oils, produced by the action of ultraviolet radiation on ergosterol. It increases the absorption of calcium from the intestine and is used in the treatment of rickets. Formula: C 28 H 43 OH: Also: vitamin D 2
Origin of calciferol
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for calciferol
[ kăl-sĭf′ə-rôl′, -rōl′ ]
Any of several sterols that are forms of vitamin D, especially ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). See more at vitamin D.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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