flavin

noun

fla·​vin ˈflā-vən How to pronounce flavin (audio)
: any of a class of yellow water-soluble nitrogenous pigments derived from isoalloxazine and occurring in the form of nucleotides as coenzymes of flavoproteins
especially : riboflavin

Examples of flavin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In bright light, by contrast, both flavin molecules were photoreduced, and very quickly. Virat Markandeya, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023 Under moonlight conditions, only one of the two flavins was photoreduced, the scientists found. Virat Markandeya, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023 The sensitivity of each flavin to light is very different. Virat Markandeya, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin flavus yellow — more at blue

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flavin was in 1933

Cite this Entry

“Flavin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flavin. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

flavin

noun
fla·​vin ˈflā-vən How to pronounce flavin (audio)
: any of a class of yellow water-soluble nitrogenous pigments derived from isoalloxazine and occurring in the form of nucleotides as coenzymes of flavoproteins
especially : riboflavin

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