carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈker-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce carotene (audio)
ˈka-rə-
: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (such as C40H56) that occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A compare beta-carotene

Examples of carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Their cheerful orange color comes from beta carotene, which supports healthy eyesight. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024 Well, this plant is chock full of nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, plus plant compounds, such as beta carotene. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2023 The extensive cooking, mashing, and pureeing of vegetables breaks open plant fibers in a way that our teeth can't, making more carotene available to be absorbed by the baby's intestines. David L. Hill, Parents, 20 July 2023 Beta carotene, the same natural pigment found in carrots, is a means of adding color to the mix. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 5 Oct. 2023 Beta carotene is in other orange foods, such as carrots. Christopher Michel, Country Living, 30 Aug. 2023 An extract containing several antioxidants, including lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, and vitamin E, stopped the growth of prostate cancer cells. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 29 May 2023 Get your fix with this colorful root veggie, which is a particularly good source of beta carotene, potassium, and antioxidants. Jackie Lam, Women's Health, 2 Aug. 2023 Beta carotene is found in many foods, including carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale. Discover Magazine, 30 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carotene.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Late Latin carota carrot

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carotene was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near carotene

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

carotene

noun
car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce carotene (audio)
: any of several orange or red pigments which occur in plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and from which vitamin A is formed

Medical Definition

carotene

noun
car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn How to pronounce carotene (audio)
: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (as C40H56) that commonly occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible in the body to vitamin A see beta-carotene

More from Merriam-Webster on carotene

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