'niacin' definitions:

Definition of 'niacin'

(from WordNet)
noun
A B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract [syn: niacin, nicotinic acid]

Definition of 'niacin'

From: GCIDE
  • niacin \niacin\ n. A B vitamin (vitamin B5) essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Called also nicotinic acid and antipellagra vitamin. Chemical formula C6H5NO2, chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
  • Syn: nicotinic acid. [WordNet 1.5]

Definition of 'niacin'

From: GCIDE
  • nicotinic acid \nic`o*tin"ic ac"id\, n. (Chem.) An organic acid (C6H5NO2), a carboxylated derivative of pyridine, obtained by the oxidation of nicotine; called also niacin and antipellagra vitamin, and vitamin B5. Chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
  • Note: It is a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions, and is used to prevent a pellagra-like disease in dogs. --[MI11]
  • Syn: 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid, niacin, antipellagra vitamin. [1913 Webster +PJC]