Definition

A natural form of vitamin D that is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight and is also found in certain foods like fish and egg yolks.

Example

Cholecalciferol is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Conversation

Have you heard about cholecalciferol?

Yes, it's a form of vitamin D, right?

Exactly! It's found in foods like fish and egg yolks.

I should probably eat more of those to get enough cholecalciferol.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cholecalciferol is formed from "chole-" (from Greek "chole", meaning bile), "calcifer" (from Latin "calx", meaning lime or calcium), and "-ol" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote alcohols). The word refers to a compound related to bile and calcium, specifically a form of vitamin D produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bile' ('chole-') and 'calcium' ('calcifer') coming together in a compound that helps your body absorb calcium — that's what cholecalciferol is all about.

Visually Confused Words