calciferol /kalsif″ərôl/ [L, calx, lime, ferre, to bear] , a fat-soluble, crystalline unsaturated alcohol produced by ultraviolet irradiation of ergosterol in plants. It is used as a dietary supplement in the prophylaxis and treatment of rickets, osteomalacia, and other hypocalcemic disorders. Also called ergocalciferol, oleovitamin D2, vitamin D2. See also rickets, viosterol.
