flavonoid

[ fley-vuh-noid ]

noun

, Biochemistry

1. any of a group of water-soluble, principally yellow polyphenols present in plants and having a structure similar to flavone: flavonoids are noted for their antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic properties.

flavonoid

/ ˈfleɪvəˌnɔɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of organic compounds that occur as pigments in fruit and flowers

flavonoid

/ flā′və-noid′ /

1. Any of a large group of water-soluble plant pigments that are beneficial to health. Flavonoids are polyphenols and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. They also help to maintain the health of small blood vessels and connective tissue, and some are under study as possible treatments of cancer.
2. Also called bioflavonoid

Word History and Origins

Origin of flavonoid¹

First recorded in 1945–50; flavon(e) + -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of flavonoid¹

C20: from flavone + -oid

Example Sentences

Another kind, flavonoids, attract the kinds of bacteria that live in or on plant roots and convert gaseous nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

From Nautilus

Apples contain an anti-inflammatory flavonoid called quercetin, while red wine contains the flavonoid catechin.

From The Daily Beast