lycopene /ly·co·pene/ (li´ko-pēn) the red carotenoid pigment of tomatoes and various berries and fruits.
lycopene
lycopene (līˑ·kō·pēn),
ly·co·pene (l  k -p n )n. A red pigment found in blood, the reproductive organs, tomatoes, and palm oils and considered chemically to be the parent substance from which all natural carotenoid pigments are derived. |
lycopene
[lī′kəpēn]
Etymology: Gk, lykopersikon, tomato
a red crystalline unsaturated hydrocarbon that is the carotenoid pigment in tomatoes and various berries and fruits. It is considered the primary substance from which all natural carotenoid pigments are derived.
lycopene (līˑ·kō·pēn),
n a carotenoid pigment and an antioxidant that is present in tomatoes (concentrated in processed products like tomato paste and sauce), guavas, watermelons, and grapefruit. May have preventive effects against prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer; also reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.
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