tocopherol
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A fat-soluble vitamin essential for normal reproduction: Tocopherol is a type of vitamin, specifically Vitamin E, which is necessary for healthy reproductive functions in animals and humans. 2. An important antioxidant: Tocopherol acts as a biological antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
Usage Examples
- As a nutrient: "Sunflower seeds are a rich dietary source of tocopherol."
- As an antioxidant: "The tocopherol in the oil helps prevent it from becoming rancid."
- In a scientific context: "The study measured the alpha-tocopherol levels in the blood serum."
Advanced Usage
- "Alpha-tocopherol": This is the most biologically active and common form of vitamin E found in food and supplements. It is often the form referred to when discussing dietary requirements.
- Example: "The nutritional label lists the amount of alpha-tocopherol per serving."
- The term is frequently used in biochemistry, nutrition science, and food chemistry contexts.
Variants and Related Words
- Vitamin E: This is the common name for the group of compounds that include tocopherols and tocotrienols. "Tocopherol" often refers specifically to the most common and active forms within this group.
- Antioxidant: This is the general functional category to which tocopherol belongs.
- Tocotrienol: A chemically related compound also part of the Vitamin E family, but with a different molecular structure.
Synonyms
- Vitamin E
- Alpha-tocopherol (for the most common form)
Notes on Meaning
The word "tocopherol" is primarily a scientific and technical term. In everyday language, people typically use "Vitamin E." Its core meanings are inextricably linked to its roles as an essential nutrient and a potent antioxidant.
Noun
- a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body