carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 

ˈka-rə-

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (such as C₄₀H₅₆) that occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A compare beta-carotene

Examples of carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to the vitamins and minerals found in kale, the cruciferous vegetable contains phytochemicals like beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that are important for eye health. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024

Not only are squash easy to grow but many types are a great source of vitamins, minerals and carotenes. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2024

Their cheerful orange color comes from beta carotene, which supports healthy eyesight. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 27 Jan. 2024

Well, this plant is chock full of nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, plus plant compounds, such as beta carotene. —Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Late Latin carota carrot

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carotene

• beta-carotene

Kids Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red pigments which occur in plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and from which vitamin A is formed

Medical Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (as C₄₀H₅₆) that commonly occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible in the body to vitamin A see beta-carotene