anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən 

: 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

Pairing cottage cheese with berries adds fiber and antioxidants, including compounds like anthocyanins found in blueberries and strawberries. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 12 June 2026

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene to support vision, white potatoes are a significant source of potassium for heart health, and purple potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their color. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026

What’s more, anthocyanins inhibit and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways from causing inflammation, notes Ehsani. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Blackberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, fiber and the antioxidant anthocyanin. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 10 May 2026

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

Kids Definition

anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən 

: 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 

variants also anthocyan

-ˈsī-ən, -ˌan 

: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants