Definition: Any of a specific group of organic compounds essential in small quantities for healthy human growth, metabolism, development, and body function; found in minute amounts in plant and animal foods or sometimes produced synthetically; deficiencies of specific vitamins produce specific disorders.

Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! Today we're diving into the world of vitamins , and it’s a topic that's truly quite grand. Now, the dictionary gives us a lovely long definition – let’s break it down with a little rhyme: “Any of a specific group, organic and bright, Essential in small amounts, shining like light! For healthy growth and metabolism too, And development and body function, just for you!” Essentially, vitamins are tiny treasures, compounds that our bodies need to work properly. They’re not big gulps of food – they're found in small amounts, think of them as sprinkles on a cake! We get them from fruits and veggies, meats and grains, or sometimes we can even make them ourselves through certain processes. But here's the important part: if you don’t get enough vitamins, it can lead to trouble – that's what the last bit says, quite clear. “Deficiencies of specific vitamins produce specific disorders.” It means a lack of a particular vitamin can cause particular problems. Like Vitamin D and bone health, or Vitamin C and your immune system! Think of it like this: you need just the right amount of each ingredient to make a delicious dish. Too much or too little, and things won’t taste right – or in our bodies, they won't function correctly. Do you have any questions about vitamins? Let’s discuss!