The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.
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.
Wiktionary
n. (context vitamin English) pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; together with nicotinamide is a part of the vitamin B complex.
WordNet
n. a B vitamin essential for the normal function of the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract [syn: niacin]
Usage examples of "nicotinic acid".
It was found to be a dietary-deficiency disease, caused by the lack of nicotinic acid in the diet.