isoflavone

noun

iso·​fla·​vone ˌī-sō-ˈflā-ˌvōn 

: a colorless, crystalline, bioactive ketone C₁₅H₁₀O₂

also : any of various usually hydroxyl derivatives of isoflavone (such as genistein and daidzein) that are plant compounds possessing antioxidant and estrogenic activity in the body

Examples of isoflavone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Several studies have shown that diets high in soy isoflavones are linked to better bone health. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024

And while consuming too much isoflavone could increase the risk of hyperestrogenism, experts told USA TODAY that will likely never happen from the consumption of soy milk or almond milk. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

Does soy milk have estrogen? Soy contains isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen that functions similarly to human estrogen but with weaker effects. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024

Food sources of soy don’t contain high enough levels of isoflavones to increase breast cancer risk. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2023

Red clover extract contains a type of natural compound known as isoflavones. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Rich in isoflavones, another phytoestrogen, soy (think tempeh, tofu and edamame) should appear on your shopping list too. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023

Soy contains isoflavones, endocrine disruptors that mimic and interfere with human estrogen. —Madeleine Watts, Harper's Magazine, 11 May 2022

And foods like beans, legumes and soy products are rich sources of subtype isoflavones − flavonoids that help keep one's hormones balanced. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

isoflavone

noun

iso·​fla·​vone -ˈflā-ˌvōn 

: a bioactive ketone C₁₅H₁₀O₂ noted for its numerous derivatives that are found in plants (as the soybean) and have antioxidant and estrogenic activity

also : any of these derivatives (as daidzein or genistein)