n. A red carotenoid pigment, C40H56, found in plants such as tomatoes, watermelons, and papayas, and present in the blood and certain tissues of animals. It is used as a food coloring. [Alteration of earlier lycopin : New Latin Lycop(ersicon), tomato genus (Greek lukos, wolf; see wkwo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + Greek persikon, peach, from persikē, peach tree; see PEACH1) + -IN.] |
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