beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene ˈbā-tə-ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 

-ˈka-rə-

: an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

Examples of beta-carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, frozen carrots may have less beta-carotene than fresh ones.18 The canning process uses heat, which can degrade some nutrients. —Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

Nutritional properties of pumpkin Pumpkins get their signature orange color thanks to beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024

Butternut squash contains a high amount of fiber and beta-carotene, too. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, such as beta-carotene in sweet potatoes and flavonoids in cranberries, protect the brain from oxidative stress and disease. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene

-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn

: a form of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

Medical Definition

beta-carotene

noun

be·​ta-car·​o·​tene

variants or β-carotene

-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: a reddish-orange pigment that is an an isomer of carotene found chiefly in orange and dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach) and that is converted to vitamin A in the body

Note: Beta-carotene is the most active and widespread provitamin A and is derived commercially from natural sources or is prepared synthetically.