flavonoid
noun
fla·vo·noid
ˈflā-və-ˌnȯid 
: any of a large group of typically biologically active water-soluble plant compounds (such as the anthocyanins and flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill)
Flavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants …—
Jane Higdon
Jane HigdonThe rich palette of dyes in butterflies' wings are all derived from chemicals called flavonoids, which the insects cannot make themselves and must sequester from their food plants.—Nicholas Wade
see bioflavonoid
Nicholas WadeExamples of flavonoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cacao is a great source of polyphenols, especially flavanols, a subgroup of flavonoids.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
Jujube's phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpenic saponins are among its active components.13 These can act as natural sedatives and have soothing effects on the nervous system.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
In any case, chamomile flowers—which look like adorable, tiny daisies—contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins which certainly have mildly sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Ube purple yams are rich in flavonoids (phytonutrients found in plants and vegetables).
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
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Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
Jujube's phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpenic saponins are among its active components.13 These can act as natural sedatives and have soothing effects on the nervous system.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
In any case, chamomile flowers—which look like adorable, tiny daisies—contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins which certainly have mildly sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024
Ube purple yams are rich in flavonoids (phytonutrients found in plants and vegetables).
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flavonoid
Dictionary Entries Near flavonoid
Cite this Entry
“Flavonoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flavonoid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flavonoid
1 of 2 adjective
fla·vo·noid
ˈflāv-ə-ˌnȯid
ˈflav-
ˈflav-
: of, relating to, or being a flavonoid
flavonoid
2 of 2 noun
: any of a large group of typically biologically active, water-soluble, plant compounds (such as the flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill)
Tea contains substances called catechins (tea flavonoids) that may protect against heart disease and even cancer.—UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter
UC Berkeley Wellness NewsletterFlavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants …—Jane Higdon, An Evidence-Based Approach to Dietary Phytochemicals
Jane Higdon, An Evidence-Based Approach to Dietary PhytochemicalsNote: Flavonoids are polyphenolic 15-carbon compounds with a basic structure consisting of two benzene rings joined by a chain of 3 carbons.
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