isoflavone

noun

iso·​fla·​vone ˌī-sō-ˈflā-ˌvōn 

: a colorless, crystalline, bioactive ketone C₁₅H₁₀O₂

also : any of various usually hydroxyl derivatives of isoflavone (such as genistein and daidzein) that are plant compounds possessing antioxidant and estrogenic activity in the body

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The Impossible Burger's isoflavone content is under 2 mg, which is less than some standard dosages recommended for transgender hormone therapy. —Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2021

To date, there has been no evidence linking soy or isoflavone consumption with feminizing males or affecting childhood development. —Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2021

Then there are the studies that have looked into whether isoflavones can feminize men and infants and interfere with fertility and development. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2019

Some researchers and parents have been concerned about how estrogen-mimicking compounds in soy, called isoflavones, might affect young children. —Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2020

That would provide around eight times the intake of isoflavones that have been recorded in older men in Japan and Shanghai who eat soy-heavy diets. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2019

Soy contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones that some findings say can promote the growth of some cancer cells, impair female fertility and mess with men’s hormones. —BostonGlobe.com, 24 Oct. 2019

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

isoflavone

noun

iso·​fla·​vone -ˈflā-ˌvōn 

: a bioactive ketone C₁₅H₁₀O₂ noted for its numerous derivatives that are found in plants (as the soybean) and have antioxidant and estrogenic activity

also : any of these derivatives (as daidzein or genistein)