carotenoid

noun

ca·​rot·​en·​oid kə-ˈrä-tə-ˌnȯid 

variants or less commonly carotinoid

: any of various usually yellow to red pigments (such as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals and characterized chemically by a long aliphatic polyene chain composed of eight isoprene units

carotenoid adjective

Examples of carotenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Minari has a high water content, a measurable amount of dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as vitamin C and carotenoids, some of which the body can convert into vitamin A. —Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026

Pink and red roses get their color from anthocyanin pigments, whereas yellow roses get theirs from carotenoid pigments. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026

Egg yolks are also rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known for their powerful cellular-protective properties. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Mar. 2026

Specifically, the fat in olive oil plays a role in helping your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, carotenoids, and plant antioxidants, that are found in vegetables, Rumsey said. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carotenoid

• albuminoid
• arytenoid
• cannabinoid
• epidermoid
• epithelioid
• meteoroid
• paraboloid
• subarachnoid
• underemployed
• adenoid
• alkaloid
• amoeboid

Medical Definition

carotenoid

noun

ca·​rot·​en·​oid

variants also carotinoid

kə-ˈrät-ᵊn-ˌȯid 

: any of various usually yellow to red pigments (as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals and characterized chemically by a long aliphatic polyene chain composed of eight isoprene units

carotenoid adjective