biotin

[ bahy-uh-tin ]
/ ˈbaɪ ə tɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

a crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, C10H16O3N2S, of the vitamin B complex, that is present in all living cells and functions as a growth factor and as a catalyst in carboxylation reactions.
Also called vitamin H.

Origin of biotin

1935–40; < German Biotin < Greek biotḗ life + -in -in2

British Dictionary definitions for biotin

biotin
/ (ˈbaɪətɪn) /

noun

a vitamin of the B complex, abundant in egg yolk and liver, deficiency of which causes dermatitis and loss of hair. Formula: C 10 H 16 N 2 O 3 S See also avidin

Word Origin for biotin

C20: biot- from Greek biotē life, way of life + -in

Medical definitions for biotin

biotin
[ bīə-tĭn ]

n.

A colorless crystalline vitamin of the vitamin B complex, essential for the activity of many enzyme systems and found in large quantities in liver, egg yolk, milk, and yeast.

Scientific definitions for biotin

biotin
[ bīə-tĭn ]

A water-soluble organic acid belonging to the vitamin B complex that is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids. It is also a cofactor for some coenzymes that catalyze the synthesis of organic acids in the body. Biotin is found in liver, egg yolks, milk, yeast, and some vegetables. Chemical formula: C10H16N2O3S.