Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

astacin

noun
as·​ta·​cin | \ˈastəsə̇n\
variants: or less commonly astacene \ -​ˌsēn \
plural -s

Definition of astacin 

: a red carotenoid ketone pigment C40H48O4 found especially in crustaceans (as in boiled lobster shell) and obtained by oxidation of astaxanthin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for astacin

International Scientific Vocabulary astac- (from New Latin Astacus) + -in or -ene

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about astacin

Statistics for astacin

Look-up Popularity

Comments on astacin

What made you want to look up astacin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

recalcitrant

obstinately defiant of authority

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Autumn Words of the Day 2018

  • a-top-down-image-of-road-through-an-autumn-forest
  • Which is a synonym of fugacious?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games