carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 

ˈka-rə-

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (such as C₄₀H₅₆) that occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A compare beta-carotene

Examples of carotene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apricots are considered an excellent source of dietary vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that converts to beta carotene in foods and that also supports your immune system and vision. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 27 Apr. 2026

Tomato Juice Tomato juice contains carotenoids such as beta carotene and lycopene, which can help decrease oxidative stress and help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, heart diseases, and some cancers. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026

Our sauce includes onions for the heart and immune system, carrots that provide beta carotene for eye health and vitamin C, bell pepper for the immune system and celery with antioxidants that protect cells and reduce inflammation. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Dietary antioxidants include Vitamins C, E, and beta carotene, the minerals selenium, zinc, copper and manganese, and several plant chemicals (phytochemicals). —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Late Latin carota carrot

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carotene

• beta-carotene

Rhymes for carotene

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red pigments which occur in plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and from which vitamin A is formed

Medical Definition

carotene

noun

car·​o·​tene ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn 

: any of several orange or red crystalline hydrocarbon pigments (as C₄₀H₅₆) that commonly occur in the chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-eating animals and are convertible in the body to vitamin A see beta-carotene