vitamin B12

noun

a deep-red crystalline, water-soluble solid, C63H88N14O14PCo, obtained from liver, milk, eggs, fish, oysters, and clams: a deficiency causes pernicious anemia and disorders of the nervous system.
Also called cyanocobalamin, cobalamin, extrinsic factor.

Origin of vitamin B12

First recorded in 1945–50

British Dictionary definitions for vitamin b12

vitamin B12

noun

another name for cyanocobalamin

Medical definitions for vitamin b12

vitamin B12

n.

A complex compound containing cobalt, found especially in liver and widely used to treat pernicious anemia. antipernicious anemia factor cobalamin cyanocobalamin extrinsic factor

Scientific definitions for vitamin b12

vitamin B12

A water-soluble, complex organic compound containing cobalt, found especially in meat, liver, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of DNA by the body, for the production of blood cells, and for maintaining the health of nerves. A deficiency of vitamin B12 in the diet results in pernicious anemia. Also called cobalamin cyanocobalamin