Dihydrotachysterol

/ˌdaɪˌhaɪdroʊˈtækɪstɪrɔl/ noun

Definition

A vitamin D-like compound used medically to treat low calcium levels and bone disorders, made by adding hydrogen atoms to tachysterol.

Etymology

From 'di-' (two) + 'hydro-' (hydrogen) + 'tachysterol' (a steroid related to vitamin D). Synthesized in the 20th century as researchers sought ways to treat calcium deficiency without using natural vitamin D.

Kelly Says

Dihydrotachysterol is chemistry's clever shortcut—instead of waiting for sun exposure to make vitamin D, doctors can give this synthetic molecule that works almost identically to help patients keep their bones strong and calcium in balance.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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