Ascorbic

/əˈskɔrbɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or contained in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that prevents scurvy and boosts immune function.

Etymology

From a- (without) plus scorbic (scurvy), literally 'anti-scurvy.' Named in the 1930s when the anti-scurvy factor was identified.

Kelly Says

Vitamin C's scientific name literally means 'no scurvy'—sailors used to get scurvy from lack of citrus, so when scientists found the cure, they named it after the disease it fights!

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