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

The fruit, which grows in the south-central region of Costa Rica, contains lycopene, a pigment that occurs naturally in other foods (such as tomatoes and watermelon) that colors the pineapple. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 23 May 2025

Potentially Prevents Cancer Grapefruit contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which may help prevent cancer.5 6. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025

This is because tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, substances that eliminate inflammation.11 Gout is an inflammatory condition, so lowering inflammation may reduce gout flares rather than increasing them. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 10 May 2025

The bright orange hue comes from the sea buckthorn oil, which is naturally rich in lycopene and carotenoids, packed with omegas and fatty acids that help plump and nourish the skin. —Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 25 Apr. 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)