Definition of flavonoid
: any of a large group of typically biologically active water-soluble plant compounds (such as the anthocyanins and flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill) Flavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants … — Jane Higdon The rich palette of dyes in butterflies' wings are all derived from chemicals called flavonoids, which the insects cannot make themselves and must sequester from their food plants. — Nicholas Wade — see bioflavonoid
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of flavonoid from the Web
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Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Mostofsky said.
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The hardy Asian plants of the genus Epimedium produce icariin, a flavonoid that inhibits expression of the PDE5 family of enzymes.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flavonoid'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of flavonoid
flavone + -oid
First Known Use: 1947
Medical Dictionary
flavonoid
Medical Definition of flavonoid
: any of a large group of typically biologically active, water-soluble, plant compounds (such as the flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill) Tea contains substances called catechins (tea flavonoids) that may protect against heart disease and even cancer.—UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter, November 1999 Flavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants …—Jane Higdon, An Evidence-Based Approach to Dietary Phytochemicals, 2007 ◆Flavonoids are polyphenolic 15-carbon compounds with a basic structure consisting of two benzene rings joined by a chain of 3 carbons. —see bioflavonoid
Learn More about flavonoid
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See words that rhyme with flavonoid Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flavonoid
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