anthocyanin

[ an-thuh-sahy-uh-nin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. 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.

anthocyanin

/ ˌænθəʊˈsaɪənɪn; ˌænθəʊˈsaɪən /

noun

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthocyanin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthocyanin¹

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