a vitamin of the B complex that occurs in milk, liver, yeast, etc. Lack of it in the diet leads to the disease pellagra. Formula: (C5H4N)COOH
Also called: niacin
nicotinic acid in American English
a white, odorless, crystalline substance, C6H5NO, found in protein foods or prepared synthetically: it is a member of the vitamin B complex and is used in the treatment of pellagra