tocopherol

[ toh-kof-uh-rawl, -rol ]
/ toʊˈkɒf əˌrɔl, -ˌrɒl /

noun Biochemistry.

one of several alcohols that constitute the dietary factor known as vitamin E, occurring in wheat-germ oil, lettuce or spinach leaves, egg yolk, etc.
Compare vitamin E.

Origin of tocopherol

1935–40; < Greek tóko(s) child, childbirth + phér(ein) to carry, bear1 + -ol1

British Dictionary definitions for tocopherol

tocopherol
/ (tɒˈkɒfəˌrɒl) /

noun

biochem any of a group of fat-soluble alcohols that occur in wheat-germ oil, watercress, lettuce, egg yolk, etc. They are thought to be necessary for healthy human reproduction Also called: vitamin E

Word Origin for tocopherol

C20: from toco-, from Greek tokos offspring (see tocology) + -pher-, from pherein to bear + -ol 1

Medical definitions for tocopherol

tocopherol
[ tō-kŏfə-rôl′, -rōl′ ]

n.

Any of a group of closely related, fat-soluble alcohols that behave similarly to vitamin E and are present in milk, lettuce, and wheat germ oil and certain other vegetable oils.

Scientific definitions for tocopherol

tocopherol
[ tō-kŏfə-rôl′, -rōl′ ]

Any of a group of closely related, fat-soluble alcohols that are types of vitamin E, especially alpha-tocopherol.