xanthophyll

noun

xan·​tho·​phyll ˈzan(t)-thə-ˌfil 

: any of several yellow to orange carotenoid pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes

especially : lutein

Examples of xanthophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The loss of green chlorophyll reveals the leaves’ underlying colors, which are mainly due to a yellow pigment called xanthophyll and an orange pigment called carotene — the same pigment that makes carrots orange. —Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 14 Oct. 2019

These result from mutations in certain leaf cells that block the production of chlorophyll or xanthophylls — or both. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 14 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from xantho- xantho- + -phyll -phyll

Note: The term was introduced by J. J. berzelius in "Ueber die gelbe Farbe der Blätter im Herbste," Annalen der Pharmacie, Band 21 (1837), 3. Heft, pp. 257-62.

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

xanthophyll

noun

xan·​tho·​phyll ˈzan-thə-ˌfil 

: any of several neutral yellow to orange carotenoid pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes

especially : lutein