carotenoid

/kəˈrɑtnˈɔɪd/

Other forms: carotenoids

Definitions of carotenoid

1. noun

   any of a class of highly unsaturated yellow to red pigments occurring in plants and animals
   types:

   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

   type of:

   antioxidant

   a substance that hinders oxidation or 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.)