anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən 

: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Examples of anthocyanin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The anthocyanins in purple foods are antioxidants that neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024

These dark-purple berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as anthocyanins and also deliver nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and folate. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 14 Aug. 2024

Berries are full of antioxidants like anthocyanins and resveratrol, which protect cells and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 Aug. 2024

Research suggests anthocyanins might play a role in treating glaucoma, preventing lens deterioration, and reducing dry eye symptoms. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Anthocyanin, from Anthocyan, Anthokyan, an earlier name (from Greek antho- antho- + kyan-, in kyánōs "blue color") + -in -in entry 1 — more at cyan-

Note: Anthokyan was coined by the German pharmacist Ludwig Clamor Marquart (1804-81), in Die Farben der Blüthen (Bonn, 1835), p. 55: Anthokyan (von ἄνθος Blume, und κυάνωσις blaue Farbe) ist der färbende Stoff in der blauen, violetten und rothen und vermittelt ebenfalls die Farbe aller braunen und vieler pomeranzfarbigen Blumen ("Anthokyan [from ánthos flower, and kyánōsis blue color] is the coloring matter in blue, violet and red flowers, and imparts in any case color to all brown and many orange flowers"). A German form with the suffix -in and an English form with the suffix -ine were in use by the 1850's.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən 

: any of various soluble pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Medical Definition

anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən 

variants also anthocyan

-ˈsī-ən, -ˌan 

: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants