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

Additionally, lycopene's antioxidant properties may contribute to a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colon, breast, and cervical. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

These snack options can help stabilize energy and support your body’s transition into evening: Watermelon is hydrating and rich in lycopene and other antioxidants. —Dr. Samanta Dall’agnese, CNBC, 18 July 2025

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a carotenoid responsible for most red pigment in tomatoes and other red and orange-hued fruits and vegetables. —Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025

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