zeaxanthin

noun

ze·​a·​xan·​thin ˌzē-ə-ˈzan-thən How to pronounce zeaxanthin (audio)
: a yellow crystalline carotenoid alcohol C40H56O2 that is isomeric with lutein and occurs especially in fruits and vegetables (such as kiwifruit and spinach) and egg yolks

Examples of zeaxanthin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Besides iron, dandelion also contains vitamins A and K, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein.16 Tips for Increasing Dietary Iron Absorption There are two forms of iron in food: heme and non-heme iron. Joy Emeh, Health, 12 Mar. 2026 Yolks are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and phospholipids that reduce inflammation.14 For most healthy individuals, moderate egg consumption supports anti-inflammatory mechanisms.1516 Scramble eggs with leafy greens, or serve poached on whole-grain toast. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zeaxanthin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary zea- (from New Latin Zea) + xanthin carotenoid pigment, from xanth- + 1-in

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zeaxanthin was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zeaxanthin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zeaxanthin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

zeaxanthin

noun
ze·​a·​xan·​thin ˌzē-ə-ˈzan-thən How to pronounce zeaxanthin (audio)
: a yellow crystalline carotenoid alcohol C40H56O2 that is isomeric with lutein and occurs widely with it and that is the chief pigment of yellow Indian corn
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster