canthaxanthin

noun

can·tha·xan·thin ˌkan(t)-thə-ˈzan-ˌthin

: a naturally occurring carotenoid C₄₀H₅₂O₂ used especially as a color additive for food

Etymology

cantha- (from New Latin Cantharellus cinnabarinus, mushroom species from which it was obtained) + xantho- + -in entry 1 — more at chanterelle

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of canthaxanthin was circa 1951

See more words from the same year

cantharus

canthaxanthin

Can Tho

See all Nearby Words

Style

“Canthaxanthin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canthaxanthin. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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canthaxanthin

noun

can·tha·xan·thin ˌkan(t)-thə-ˈzan-ˌthin

: a carotenoid C₄₀H₅₂O₂ used especially as a color additive for food