carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 

ˈka-rə-

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (such as C₄₀H₅₆) that occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A compare beta-carotene

Examples of carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s formulated with avocado oil, beta carotene, and other nourishing ingredients that leaves under-eyes refreshed and rejuvenated, according to our testers. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Several European scientists famously created a GMO rice in the 1990s that produces beta carotene, which the human body converts to Vitamin A, an essential nutrient that is deficient in 125 million children worldwide. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

These pads feature carotene sourced from natural carrot seed oil, which provides antioxidants and Vitamin A to calm and revitalize the skin. —Priscilla Mak, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024

Often including ingredients like beta carotene (derived from carrots), Tanositol SPE (from the carob plant) and tyrosine (an amino acid), these products are purportedly activated by UV light. —Tori Crowther, refinery29.com, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Late Latin carota carrot

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carotene

• beta-carotene

Kids Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red pigments which occur in plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and from which vitamin A is formed

Medical Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (as C₄₀H₅₆) that commonly occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible in the body to vitamin A see beta-carotene