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

Watermelon is a source of nutrients such as potassium, vitamins A, and vitamin C, as well as an important antioxidant called lycopene. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 14 July 2026

Even simmering tomatoes in olive oil for a few minutes to make a quick pasta sauce increases the amount of lycopene your body can absorb. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 13 July 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

Tomatoes Improves carotenoid absorption Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and beta-carotene, two powerful carotenoids linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 26 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)