phycoerythrin

[ fahy-koh-i-rith-rin, -er-uh-thrin ]

noun

1. a red protein pigment occurring in red algae.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phycoerythrin¹

1865–70; phyco- + erythr- ( def ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Red algae -- again, seaweed -- are red thanks to the light-harvesting pigment phycoerythrin.

From Scientific American

The colloidal solution of phycoerythrin in water has a brilliant rose-red color, with an orange fluorescence.

From Project Gutenberg

Some appear blue or green due to an abundance of other pigments and a dearth of phycoerythrin.

From Scientific American

Phycophæin.—Still less is known of the composition of this pigment than of that of phycoerythrin.

From Project Gutenberg