carotenoid

noun

ca·​rot·​en·​oid kə-ˈrä-tə-ˌnȯid 

variants or less commonly carotinoid

: any of various usually yellow to red pigments (such as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals and characterized chemically by a long aliphatic polyene chain composed of eight isoprene units

carotenoid adjective

Examples of carotenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The more pigmented plant foods—things like leafy greens, berries, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and citrus fruits—are high in various carotenoids, which have an antioxidant effect, helping to limit stress on parts of the brain tied to memory. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 17 June 2024

The pigments behind some feather colors are derived from a diet rich in substances like carotenoids. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024

Here are 3 things to know Gold and yellow foliage comes from compounds that fall into the xanthophyll and carotenoid families, and like the anthocyanins, are generally brightest in full sun. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 31 May 2024

Additionally, vegetables with high amounts of phytochemicals like carotenoids and chlorophyll have been found to play a role in inhibiting the growth of tumors and reducing cancer risk. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

carotenoid

noun

ca·​rot·​en·​oid

variants also carotinoid

kə-ˈrät-ᵊn-ˌȯid 

: any of various usually yellow to red pigments (as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals and characterized chemically by a long aliphatic polyene chain composed of eight isoprene units

carotenoid adjective