xanthophyll

or xan·tho·phyl

[ zan-thuh-fil ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. lutein ( def 1 ).

xanthophyll

/ ˈzænθəʊfɪl /

noun

1. any of a group of yellow carotenoid pigments occurring in plant and animal tissue

xanthophyll

/ zăn′thə-fĭl′ /

1. Any of various yellow pigments occurring in the leaves of plants and giving young shoots and late autumn leaves their characteristic color. This color is masked by chlorophyll when the leaf is mature. Xanthophylls aid in the absorption of light by capturing certain wavelengths not captured by chlorophyll and rapidly transferring the energy to chlorophyll by boosting one of its electrons to a higher energy level. Xanthophylls are carotenoids, differing from carotenes in having one or more oxygen-containing groups attached.
2. See also carotene

Derived Forms

• ˌxanthoˈphyllous, adjective

Other Words From

• xantho·phyllous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of xanthophyll¹

From the French word xanthophylle, dating back to 1830–40. See xantho-, -phyll

Example Sentences

To separate the carotin from xanthophyll place the ether solution in a small open dish and evaporate to a small volume.

From Project Gutenberg

It is unlike carotin and xanthophyll in that it has basic properties, forming salts with acids, which are blue in color.

From Project Gutenberg

Xanthophyll: the yellow of autumn leaves; one of the substances found in the blood of insects.

From Project Gutenberg