xanthophyll

noun

xan·​tho·​phyll ˈzan(t)-thə-ˌfil How to pronounce xanthophyll (audio)
: any of several yellow to orange carotenoid pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes
especially : lutein

Examples of xanthophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The loss of green chlorophyll reveals the leaves’ underlying colors, which are mainly due to a yellow pigment called xanthophyll and an orange pigment called carotene — the same pigment that makes carrots orange. Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 14 Oct. 2019 These result from mutations in certain leaf cells that block the production of chlorophyll or xanthophylls — or both. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 14 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'xanthophyll.' 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, from xantho- xantho- + -phyll -phyll

Note: The term was introduced by J. J. berzelius in "Ueber die gelbe Farbe der Blätter im Herbste," Annalen der Pharmacie, Band 21 (1837), 3. Heft, pp. 257-62.

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of xanthophyll was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near xanthophyll

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

xanthophyll

noun
xan·​tho·​phyll ˈzan-thə-ˌfil How to pronounce xanthophyll (audio)
: any of several neutral yellow to orange carotenoid pigments that are oxygen derivatives of carotenes
especially : lutein

More from Merriam-Webster on xanthophyll

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