anthocyanin

noun

an·tho·cy·a·nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən

: 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

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Their antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can interfere with restful sleep. — Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 Its anthocyanins may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing ACE activity and improving vascular elasticity. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026 Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026 The fruit's vibrant red color comes from natural plant compounds called anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

anthocyanidin

anthocyanin

anthocyathus

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Anthocyanin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthocyanin. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anthocyanin

noun

an·tho·cy·a·nin ˌan(t)-thə-ˈsī-ə-nən

: 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

variants also anthocyan

-ˈsī-ən, -ˌan

: any of various soluble glycoside pigments producing blue to red coloring in flowers and plants

anthocyanin

noun

Examples of anthocyanin in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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