carotene

[ kar-uh-teen ]

noun

1. any of three yellow or orange fat-soluble pigments having the formula C 40 H 56 , found in many plants, especially carrots, and transformed to vitamin A in the liver; provitamin A.

carotene

/ ˈkærəˌtiːn; ˈkærətɪn /

noun

1. any of four orange-red isomers of an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in many plants (β-carotene is the orange pigment of carrots) and converted to vitamin A in the liver. Formula: C 40 H 56

carotene

/ kăr′ə-tēn′ /

1. Any of various organic compounds that occur as orange-yellow to red pigments in many plants and in animal tissue. In plant leaves, carotenes aid in the absorption of light energy by transferring the energy to chlorophyll and act as antioxidants protecting chlorophyll from damage by oxidation. In animals, carotenes are converted to vitamin A primarily in the liver. They are members of the carotenoid family of compounds and give plants such as carrots, pumpkins, and dandelions their characteristic color. Chemical formula: C 40 H 56 .
2. See also xanthophyll

Word History and Origins

Origin of carotene¹

1860–65; < Late Latin carōt ( a ) carrot + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of carotene¹

C19 carotin, from Latin carōta carrot ; see -ene

Example Sentences

Then there was the federal study asking if beta carotene, a widely used antioxidant supplement, could reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

From New York Times

I am trying to find out if beta carotene would be safe for him.

From Seattle Times

The group recommended against beta carotene and vitamin E for that purpose.

From Seattle Times

It may also reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as E, D and K as well as beta carotene.

From Seattle Times

Pumpkins are full of fiber and provide vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, iron, potassium, and beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, so eat up!

From Salon