lycopene

noun

ly·​co·​pene ˈlī-kə-ˌpēn 

: a carotenoid pigment C₄₀H₅₆ that is the red coloring matter of the tomato

Examples of lycopene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Canned tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable—meaning easier for the body to absorb—after the cell walls break down during heating. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Supports Healthy Vision Papaya contains the nutrients lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are essential to eye health. — Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026

Nutrition of Papaya Papaya is packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, beta-carotene, and lycopene. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2026

However, yellow watermelon makes up for a shortage in lycopene with many health and nutritional benefits. — Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary lycop- (from New Latin Lycopersicon, genus of herbs) + -ene

First Known Use

circa 1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lycopene

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Medical Definition

lycopene

noun

ly·​co·​pene ˈlī-kə-ˌpēn 

: a red pigment C₄₀H₅₆ isomeric with carotene that occurs in many ripe fruits (as the tomato)