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Glite Dictionary
ergocalciferol

ergocalciferol

9.8
A type of vitamin D that prevents lack of vitamin D and treats weak bones in children
  • noun
  • /ˌɜrɡoʊˈkælsɪfərɒl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ergocalciferol
  • Doctors often recommend ergocalciferol to patients who have low levels of vitamin D.
  • ergocalciferol (D2)

Examples

  • To prevent vitamin D deficiency, some people choose to take ergocalciferol supplements regularly.

  • Children with rickets may benefit from taking ergocalciferol as part of their treatment.

  • Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is also available from plants, but D3 is a much more bioactive form.

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Synonyms

D
vsergocalciferol
  • Specialized
23 3.5

A vitamin that helps the body use calcium to build strong bones

is the specific D2 form used to treat deficiency and rickets
vitamin D
vsergocalciferol
  • Specialized
21 2.5

A substance that helps the body use calcium to keep bones and teeth healthy

is the particular D2 chemical rather than the general vitamin family
calciferol
vsergocalciferol
  • Specialized
7.9

A form of vitamin D that dissolves in fat and helps keep bones healthy

is the same substance expressed with a different scientific name
viosterol
vsergocalciferol
  • Archaic
9.9

A vitamin D medicine that prevents or treats weak bones in children

is the specific chemical form rather than a general preparation
cholecalciferol
vsergocalciferol
  • Specialized
9.3

A form of vitamin D that helps keep bones healthy

is the other subtype rather than the D2 chemical form

Surface Forms

ergocalciferol singular
ergocalciferols plural

Morphology

ergocalciferol = calciferol (opaque) = ergo + calciferol

The formation uses specialized chemical combining forms ('ergo-' + 'calciferol') and refers to a specific biochemical compound, so its meaning is not derivable by average learners from the parts.

Etymology

Ergocalciferol comes from ergosterol, a substance made by fungi, and calciferol, a name linked to 'calcium' and 'to carry'. So ergocalciferol is a form of vitamin D that comes from fungi and helps the body 'carry' and use calcium, which is why it prevents rickets and vitamin D deficiency.