isoflavone

noun

iso·​fla·​vone ˌī-sō-ˈflā-ˌvōn How to pronounce isoflavone (audio)
: 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isoflavone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isoflavone was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near isoflavone

Cite this Entry

“Isoflavone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isoflavone. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

isoflavone

noun
iso·​fla·​vone -ˈflā-ˌvōn How to pronounce isoflavone (audio)
: 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)

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