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

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

These gourds are rich in beta-carotene, a pigment that gives pumpkins their signature orange color. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023

When shopping for broccoli, pick bunches that have rich color as that indicates maximum nutrient value; the more vivid green, purplish, or blue-green florets contain more beta-carotene and vitamin C than yellow or fading ones. —Treehugger Editors, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023

Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene—an antioxidant that prevents certain types of cancer and mops up free radicals. —Stephanie Karpinske, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023

It’s loaded with antioxidants and vitamins like beta-carotene and vitamin C, and one cup of the green kind has 5.2 grams of carbs. —Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023

The body can convert beta-carotene into retinol, so indirect sources include yellow, red, and green leafy vegetables like spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, as well as yellow fruits like mangos, papaya, and apricots. —Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 16 Aug. 2023

Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023

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.