Axerophthol

/ˌæk.sə.ˈrɒf.θɑːl/ noun

Definition

Another name for Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for vision, skin health, and immune function in the human body.

Etymology

From Greek 'axer' (dry) + 'ophthal' (eye), literally 'dry eye.' Named because Vitamin A deficiency causes dry eyes. The term is largely obsolete.

Kelly Says

Doctors literally named Vitamin A after its most dramatic symptom—if you don't get enough, your eyes literally dry out and you go blind!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.