genistein

noun

ge·​nis·​tein jə-ˈni-stē-ən How to pronounce genistein (audio) -ˈni-ˌstēn How to pronounce genistein (audio)
: an isoflavone C15H10O5 found especially in soybeans and shown in laboratory experiments to have antitumor activity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Soybeans are high in fiber, as well as compounds called isoflavones, which include daidzein and genistein. Maggie Fox, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2017 The idea that plant hormones—such as genistein, the primary phytoestrogen in soy—can interfere with mammalian development is not new. Deborah Blum, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genistein.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

genist- (from New Latin Genista tinctoria, a species of broom) + -ein, alteration of -in entry 1

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genistein was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near genistein

Cite this Entry

“Genistein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genistein. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

genistein

noun
ge·​nis·​tein jə-ˈnis-tē-ən How to pronounce genistein (audio) -ˈnis-ˌtēn How to pronounce genistein (audio)
: an isoflavone C15H10O5 found especially in soybeans and shown in laboratory experiments to have antitumor activity
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


What Did You Just Call Me?

  • brown chihuahua sitting on the floor with squinting eyes looking at the camera
  • Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a flibbertigibbet.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY