calciferol

[ kal-sif-uh-rawl, -rol ]
/ kælˈsɪf əˌrɔl, -ˌrɒl /

noun Biochemistry.

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. Also called vitamin D2.

Origin of calciferol

First recorded in 1930–35; calcif(erous) + (ergost)erol

British Dictionary definitions for calciferol

calciferol
/ (kælˈsɪfərɒl) /

noun

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

Word Origin for calciferol

C20: from calcif ( erous + ergost) erol

Medical definitions for calciferol

calciferol
[ kăl-sĭfə-rôl′, -rōl′ ]

n.

vitamin D2

Scientific definitions for calciferol

calciferol
[ kăl-sĭfə-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.