flavonoid

noun

fla·vo·noid | \ˈflā-və-ˌnȯid

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

Examples of flavonoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Better brain health: The flavonoids in blueberries can reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia by enhancing circulation and protecting brain cells from damage. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "Why You Should Go All In on Blueberries This Summer," 31 May 2018 The fruit — especially its skin — is rich in antioxidant flavonoids such as quercetin and anthocyanins (for red apples) that have been linked to cardio-protective effects. — Consumer Reports, Washington Post, "From oatmeal to sardines, 7 foods that really can help hearts stay healthy," 7 May 2018 On the other hand, purple sweet potatoes have more anthocyanins, the flavonoid found in blueberries. — Caroline Walder, Good Housekeeping, "Sweet Potatoes Are Officially One of the Best Carbs You Can Eat," 5 Mar. 2018 Research into the chemical makeup of marijuana is still new, but there are at least 160 cannabinoids and as many as 500 terpenes and flavonoids in the plant, all of which can be separated out, mixed, and matched. — Josh Dean, Bloomberg.com, "America Is Giving Away the $30 Billion Medical Marijuana Industry," 7 Mar. 2018 Plus, the polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids in black carrots may substantially defend against chronic disease. — Good Housekeeping, "Why You Should Eat Carrots Every Single Day," 2 Mar. 2018 Cacao is particularly high in a kind of flavonoid called flavanols, which are especially beneficial for vascular health. — Ashleigh Spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Chocolate is more than romantic - it's good for the heart," 14 Feb. 2018 The hips, like the petals, are high in flavonoids, those small but mighty antioxidant friends. — Christine Buckley, Bon Appetit, "How to Swap Exotic Superfoods for the Local Stuff," 19 July 2017 Flavonoids in chocolate may improve blood vessel function, which can lower blood pressure and clotting. — Consumer Reports, Washington Post, "Some food choices (chocolate!) really may help you age better," 9 July 2017

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.

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Dictionary Entries near flavonoid

flavin mononucleotide

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1 Sep 2018

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The first known use of flavonoid was in 1947

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More Definitions for flavonoid

flavonoid

adjective

fla·vo·noid | \ˈflāv-ə-ˌnȯid,

ˈflav-

Medical Definition of flavonoid

(Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or being a flavonoid

flavonoid

noun

Medical Definition of flavonoid (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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