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

When tomatoes are cooked, the heat helps make the lycopene more accessible for the body to absorb. —Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025

Additionally, a study in postmenopausal women found that daily watermelon juice raised blood levels of lycopene by over 80%, which could help protect the brain from long-term oxidative stress.5 5. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 July 2025

These nutrients are all important, but several studies have linked lycopene to lower heart disease risk and mortality.1 2. —Andrea Michelson, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025

However, no improvements were seen with other forms of tomato, including tomatoes in the diet and synthetic lycopene. —Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 29 May 2025

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

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

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)