xanthophyll
/ˈzænθəfɪl/
noun
- A yellow or orange pigment found in plants, algae, and some animals, often responsible for the color of autumn leaves and egg yolks.
- In the fall, the green chlorophyll breaks down and the yellow xanthophyll becomes visible in the leaves.
- Egg yolks get their bright yellow color from xanthophyll in the chicken's diet.
- Scientists study xanthophyll to understand how plants protect themselves from too much sunlight.
Synonyms