anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Examples of anthocyanin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The grape skins also contain anthocyanins, which give the wine its red hue. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 Red pigments called anthocyanins are the most common in nature and changes to the acidity in the pigment changes the color. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Feb. 2024 The researchers suggest that anthocyanins help reduce a tissue-destroying process called oxidative stress by lowering free radicals in the body. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Clec, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 The purple color is natural and thanks to anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid that gives these potatoes, and also cherries and grapes, their vibrant color. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2023 The cream contains Japanese purple rice bran and antioxidants like anthocyanin that protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, while Okinawan algae and hyaluronic acid help preserve and reinforce the skin's moisture barrier. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2023 Purple sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, which provide their vivid color, and also help improve heart health, reduce disease risks, and boost cognitive function. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2023 Cherries, in particular, are among the top picks due to their ample anthocyanins (a flavonoid that lends a red or purple tint to plant foods) and other antioxidants that may improve blood flow and potentially reduce pain, Auslander Moreno adds. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2023 This process allows other pigments in the leaves, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, to become more visible. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anthocyanin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Anthocyanin, from Anthocyan, Anthokyan, an earlier name (from Greek antho- antho- + kyan-, in kyánōs "blue color") + -in -in entry 1 — more at cyan-

Note: Anthokyan was coined by the German pharmacist Ludwig Clamor Marquart (1804-81), in Die Farben der Blüthen (Bonn, 1835), p. 55: Anthokyan (von ἄνθος Blume, und κυάνωσις blaue Farbe) ist der färbende Stoff in der blauen, violetten und rothen und vermittelt ebenfalls die Farbe aller braunen und vieler pomeranzfarbigen Blumen ("Anthokyan [from ánthos flower, and kyánōsis blue color] is the coloring matter in blue, violet and red flowers, and imparts in any case color to all brown and many orange flowers"). A German form with the suffix -in and an English form with the suffix -ine were in use by the 1850's.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthocyanin was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near anthocyanin

Cite this Entry

“Anthocyanin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthocyanin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anthocyanin

noun
an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
: any of various soluble pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Medical Definition

anthocyanin

noun
an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
variants also anthocyan
: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

More from Merriam-Webster on anthocyanin

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