carotenoid

ca·rot·e·noid  (k-rtn-oid)

n.

Any of a class of yellow to red pigments, including the carotenes and the xanthophylls.

adj.

Of or relating to such a pigment.

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carotenoid, carotinoid [kəˈrɒtɪˌnɔɪd]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any of a group of red or yellow pigments, including carotenes, found in plants and certain animal tissues

adj

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) of or resembling carotene or a carotenoid

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carotenoid  (k-rtn-oid)

Any of a class of yellow to red pigments found especially in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. Carotenoids generally consist of conjoined units of the hydrocarbon isoprene, with alternating single and double bonds. The carotenoids absorb light energy of certain frequencies and transfer it to chlorophyll for use in photosynthesis. They also act as antioxidants for chlorophyll, protecting it from damage by oxidation in the presence of sunlight. Carotenoids are nutritionally important for many animals, giving flamingoes their color, for example, and also have antioxidant properties. There are many types of carotenoids, including carotenes and xanthophylls. See more at photosynthesis.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

carotenoid - any of a class of highly unsaturated yellow to red pigments occurring in plants and animals carotene - yellow or orange-red fat-soluble pigments in plants lycopene - carotenoid that makes tomatoes red; may lower the risk of prostate cancer beta-carotene - an isomer of carotene that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables lutein, xanthophyl, xanthophyll - yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks zeaxanthin - yellow carotenoid (isomeric with lutein and occurs widely with it) that is the main pigment in yellow Indian corn antioxidant - substance that inhibits oxidation or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides phytochemical - a chemical substance obtained from plants that is biologically active but not nutritive pigment - dry coloring material (especially a powder to be mixed with a liquid to produce paint, etc.)