lycopene

[ lahy-kuh-peen ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a red crystalline substance, C 40 H 56 , that is the main pigment of certain fruits, as the tomato and paprika, and is a precursor to carotene in plant biosynthesis.

Lycopene

/ ˈlaɪkəˌpiːn /

noun

1. an acyclic carotenoid occuring in tomatoes and some other ripe fruit as a red pigment. As an antioxidant its consumption can reduce the risk of some cancers

lycopene

/ lī′kə-pēn′ /

1. A red carotenoid found chiefly in blood, the reproductive organs, tomatoes, and palm oils. It is an antioxidant and is the parent substance from which all natural carotenoids are derived. Chemical formula: C 40 H 56 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of lycopene¹

1925–30; earlier lycop ( in ) (< New Latin Lycop ( ersicon ) tomato genus (< Greek lýk ( os ) wolf + -o- -o- + Persikón peach ¹ ) + -in ² ) + -ene