curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric

Examples of curcumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The body poorly absorbs curcumin unless black pepper is added to it. —Courtney Southwick, Health, 9 July 2024

The curcumin in turmeric will turn red when exposed to alkaline solutions, such as oxygen bleach. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 June 2024

Many also contain additives such as black pepper to promote absorption of curcumin, a substance that is typically poorly absorbed by the digestive tract. —Meeri Kim, Washington Post, 25 June 2024

Turmeric Turmeric is a source of the compound curcumin, which gives the spice its golden-orange color. —Kathleen Felton, Health, 9 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French curcumine, from curcum- (from New Latin Curcuma, the turmeric plant, from Arabic kurkum) + -ine -in entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric