genistein

noun

ge·nis·tein jə-ˈni-stē-ən

-ˈni-ˌstēn

: 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Medical Definition

genistein

noun

ge·nis·tein jə-ˈnis-tē-ən

-ˈnis-ˌtēn

: an isoflavone C₁₅H₁₀O₅ found especially in soybeans and shown in laboratory experiments to have antitumor activity

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