folic acid

noun

fo·​lic acid ˈfō-lik- How to pronounce folic acid (audio)
: a crystalline vitamin C19H19N7O6 of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and occurs chiefly in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also pteroylglutamic acid

Examples of folic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previous studies have tied B vitamins, such as folic acid, pyridoxine, and cobalamin, with a reduced risk of stroke. — Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 30 Apr. 2026 In 2016, federal regulators allowed, but did not require, folic acid to be added to corn masa products. — CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 In an effort to prevent birth defects, California now requires food makers to add folic acid to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other foods like tamales and pupusas. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 California became the first state in January to require manufacturers to add folic acid, a key vitamin for infant health. — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for folic acid

Word History

Etymology

Latin folium

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folic acid was in 1941

Rhymes for folic acid

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Browse Nearby Words

foliation
folic acid
folie à deux
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Cite this Entry

“Folic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folic%20acid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

folic acid

noun
fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- How to pronounce folic acid (audio)
: a crystalline vitamin of the B complex used especially in the treatment of anemia resulting from inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

folic acid

noun
fo·​lic acid ˌfō-lik- How to pronounce folic acid (audio)
: a crystalline vitamin C19H19N7O6 of the B complex that is required for normal production of red blood cells, that is used especially in the treatment of nutritional anemias, and that occurs especially in green leafy vegetables, liver, kidneys, dried beans, and mushrooms

called also folacin, folate, Lactobacillus casei factor, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin Bc, vitamin M

More from Merriam-Webster on folic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folic acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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