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

Some evidence that beta carotene and vitamin E could increase mortality risk. —Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Has Antioxidant Potential Spaghetti squash is packed with beneficial phytonutrients, including vitamins C and E, beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), folate, vitamin B12, and selenium. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Guernsey milk is high in fat and protein, Jen explained, and its unique color comes from Guernsey cows' inability to absorb beta carotene, the same vitamin that makes carrots orange. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024

Bell Peppers Bell peppers are high in powerful immunity-boosting vitamins C and A and beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

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