anthocyanin

[ an-thuh-sahy-uh-nin ]

nounBiochemistry.

any of a subset of flavonoids noted for properties of pigmentation, which provide the range of red, purple, and blue colors in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and cereals.

Origin of anthocyanin

First recorded in 1830–40; antho- + cyanin(e)

Also an·tho·cy·an [an-thuh-sahy-uhn]. /ˌæn θəˈsaɪ ən/.

Words Nearby anthocyanin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for anthocyanin

anthocyanin

anthocyan (ˌænθəʊˈsaɪən)

/ (ˌænθəʊˈsaɪənɪn) /

noun

any of a class of water-soluble glycosidic pigments, esp those responsible for the red and blue colours in flowers. They are closely related to vitamins E and P

Origin of anthocyanin

C19: from antho- + -cyanin, from Greek kuanos dark blue

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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