vitamin K

noun

1
: either of two naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins essential for the clotting of blood because of their role in the production of clotting factors in the liver:
a
or vitamin K1 : the vitamin C31H46O2 that is produced by plants and obtained especially from green leafy vegetables (such as collards and kale)
b
or vitamin K2 : the vitamin C41H56O2 that is produced by bacteria (as in the intestines of animals) and obtained especially from meat and fermented foods
2
a
or vitamin K3 : menadione
b
: any of several synthetic compounds chemically related to menadione

Examples of vitamin K in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plant protein sources like greens and broccoli are rich in antioxidants, vitamin K and vitamin C among others. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024 Bones need vitamin D to absorb calcium, magnesium for structural integrity and vitamin K for the formation of osteocalcin, a type of protein found in bone. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Asparagus: Asparagus is rich in magnesium, D-aspartic acid, vitamin K, and vitamin B6. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023 For example, leafy greens with high amounts of vitamin K can lower the effectiveness of the blood thinner warfarin. Kayla B. Rowe, Fortune Well, 17 Sep. 2023 In addition to blood coagulation, your body needs vitamin K to help maintain strong bones. Alex Vance, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023 This low-carb veggie is high in vitamin K and antioxidants. Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023 Biologists trapped him, treated him with topical medications and vitamin K injections and released him. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2022 Like broccoli, Rust says these sprouts are a great source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and fiber. Marissa Miller, Women's Health, 8 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vitamin K.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the initial letter of Danish & Swedish koagulation coagulation, Norwegian koagulasjon & German Koagulation

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vitamin K was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near vitamin K

Cite this Entry

“Vitamin K.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20K. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vitamin K

noun
: any of several vitamins that are needed in order for blood to clot properly

Medical Definition

vitamin K

noun
1
: either of two naturally occurring fat-soluble naphthoquinone vitamins essential for the clotting of blood because of their role in the production of clotting factors in the liver:
a
or vitamin K1 : a yellow oily vitamin C31H46O2 that is produced by plants and obtained especially from green leafy vegetables (such as collards and kale) and is often used to treat hypoprothrombinemia

called also phylloquinone, phytonadione

b
or vitamin K2 : a pale yellow crystalline vitamin C41H56O2 that is produced by bacteria (as in the intestines of animals) and obtained especially from meat and fermented foods and that typically has greater bioavailability than vitamin K1

called also menaquinone

2
a
or vitamin K3 : menadione
b
: any of several synthetic compounds chemically related to menadione

More from Merriam-Webster on vitamin K

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