beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene ˈbā-tə-ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 

-ˈka-rə-

: an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

Examples of beta-carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Key Ingredients: Carrot root water, carrot seed oil, beta-carotene, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, tea tree oil, lavender extract Size: 150 mL / 5.07 fl. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024

Cantaloupe is loaded with beta-carotene (vitamin A), which safeguards your eyesight, helps keep your mind sharp, and reduces inflammation. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2024

Cooked carrots release more beta-carotene, an antioxidant the body uses to create vitamin A. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024

The beta-carotene in carrots is red-orange, a shade canthaxanthin can emulate, which is why it’s more commonly used in pills specifically marketed for tanning purposes. —Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene

-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn

: a form of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

Medical Definition

beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene

variants or β-carotene

-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: a reddish-orange pigment that is an an isomer of carotene found chiefly in orange and dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach) and that is converted to vitamin A in the body

Note: Beta-carotene is the most active and widespread provitamin A and is derived commercially from natural sources or is prepared synthetically.