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

Quercetin is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties. — Steven Macari, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 9 Best Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies," 15 May 2019 And a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2014 found that supplements of apigenin, a flavonoid found in celery, may have helped slow the progression of gastritis and gastric cancer—in gerbils, that is. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Surprise: Celery Juice Will Not Cure All of Your Health Issues," 25 Jan. 2019 And regular apple eaters report fewer asthma symptoms, according to British research (a flavonoid called khellin may open up airways). — Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, "11 Best Foods For Your Immune System," 19 June 2018 MARULA OIL Made from the fruit of the African marula tree, this fast-absorbing oil boasts natural essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids. — Allure, "The Skin-Care Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know," 17 Aug. 2018 The flowers contain compounds called flavonoids that may help reduce inflammation and pain. — Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, "11 Best Foods For Your Immune System," 19 June 2018 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

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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Last Updated

23 Jun 2019

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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

Note: Flavonoids are polyphenolic 15-carbon compounds with a basic structure consisting of two benzene rings joined by a chain of 3 carbons.

— see bioflavonoid