alpha-tocopherol

noun

al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˈal-fə-tō-ˈkä-fə-ˌrȯl How to pronounce alpha-tocopherol (audio)
-ˌrōl
: the predominant form of vitamin E C29H50O2 that is essential to human nutrition
… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.—S. Boyd Eaton

Examples of alpha-tocopherol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Based on these new findings, food sources of lycopene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) should have a place on your plate to support your brain health. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 28 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpha-tocopherol was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near alpha-tocopherol

alpha test

alpha-tocopherol

alpha track

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Cite this Entry

“Alpha-tocopherol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha-tocopherol. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

alpha-tocopherol

noun
al·​pha-to·​coph·​er·​ol ˌal-fə-tō-ˈkäf-ə-ˌrȯl, -ˌrōl How to pronounce alpha-tocopherol (audio)
: the predominant form of vitamin E C29H50O2 that is essential to human nutrition
… the vitamin E sold as a dietary supplement contains primarily alpha-tocopherol.—Janet Raloff

Note: Alpha-tocopherol is a potent antioxidant and the most biologically active form of vitamin E. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most essential to biological functioning, it is often used synonymously with vitamin E.

Vitamin E—also called alpha-tocopherol—is a vitamin in search of a deficiency disease.—S. Boyd Eaton
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