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Glite Dictionary
calciferol

calciferol

7.9
A form of vitamin D that dissolves in fat and helps keep bones healthy
  • noun
  • /ˌkæl.sɪˈfɛr.ɒl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calciferol
  • Doctors often recommend calciferol to help improve bone health, especially in children.

Examples

  • A deficiency in calciferol can lead to conditions like rickets in young children.

  • Many breakfast cereals are fortified with calciferol to ensure adequate vitamin D intake.

  • It should say choli calciferol on the pill bottle.

Synonyms

D
vscalciferol
  • Specialized
23 3.5

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

is a single D2 form rather than this general vitamin sense
vitamin D
vscalciferol
  • Specialized
21 2.5

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

is one specific D2 form within that broader vitamin class
ergocalciferol
vscalciferol
  • Specialized
9.8

A type of vitamin D that prevents lack of vitamin D and treats weak bones in children

is the specific D2 form referred to by the key concept
cholecalciferol
vscalciferol
  • Specialized
9.3

A form of vitamin D that helps keep bones healthy

is the D2 form rather than this D3 type
viosterol
vscalciferol
  • Archaic
9.9

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

is a defined D2 chemical form rather than a historical preparation

Surface Forms

calciferol singular
calciferols plural

Morphology

calciferol = calci + ferol

A technical biochemical name made from combining forms (e.g., calci- + -ferol) that are not standalone English words and will not transparently indicate meaning to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Calciferol comes from the parts calci- meaning 'calcium' and -fer- meaning 'to carry', plus -ol as a common chemical ending. So the name suggests 'a substance that carries calcium', which helps explain why calciferol is a vitamin important for keeping bones strong.