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

Our bodies convert these carotenoids into vitamin A, which is important for vision and eye health. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024

Beta-carotene and lycopene are examples of carotenoids, of which beta-carotene is the most abundant in our diets. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024

Although vegan diets are likely high in vitamin A carotenoids, without adequate zinc, vitamin A levels may be low. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

These carotenoids specifically accumulate in a part of the retina called the macula. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Oct. 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