anthocyanin

noun

an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Examples of anthocyanin 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.
Elderberries have a high concentration of anthocyanins, phytonutrients known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Hannah Singleton, Health, 29 Jan. 2025 Well, according to the latest research, blood oranges may have higher-than-average traces of an antioxidant called anthocyanin. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 Their color comes from anthocyanins, a plant pigment known for its antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties. Johna Burdeos, Health, 23 Jan. 2025 While other berries and foods contain anthocyanins, elderberries have a particularly high concentration of the compounds. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for anthocyanin 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Anthocyanin, from Anthocyan, Anthokyan, an earlier name (from Greek antho- antho- + kyan-, in kyánōs "blue color") + -in -in entry 1 — more at cyan-

Note: Anthokyan was coined by the German pharmacist Ludwig Clamor Marquart (1804-81), in Die Farben der Blüthen (Bonn, 1835), p. 55: Anthokyan (von ἄνθος Blume, und κυάνωσις blaue Farbe) ist der färbende Stoff in der blauen, violetten und rothen und vermittelt ebenfalls die Farbe aller braunen und vieler pomeranzfarbigen Blumen ("Anthokyan [from ánthos flower, and kyánōsis blue color] is the coloring matter in blue, violet and red flowers, and imparts in any case color to all brown and many orange flowers"). A German form with the suffix -in and an English form with the suffix -ine were in use by the 1850's.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthocyanin was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near anthocyanin

Cite this Entry

“Anthocyanin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthocyanin. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

anthocyanin

noun
an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
: any of various soluble pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

Medical Definition

anthocyanin

noun
an·​tho·​cy·​a·​nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən How to pronounce anthocyanin (audio)
variants also anthocyan
: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

More from Merriam-Webster on anthocyanin

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