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canthaxanthin

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //kænθəˈzænθɪn//

KK: /kænθəˈzænθɪn/

noun
Definition

A natural pigment that gives color to many plants and animals, often used as a food coloring.


Example

Canthaxanthin is often added to fish feed to enhance the color of the fish.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of canthaxanthin?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's that pigment found in some foods, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's used to give color to things like fish and certain snacks.
Sloth B
That's pretty interesting! I didn't know it had such a role in food.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
carotenoid
pigment
xanthophyll
Antonyms
Root Explanation

Canthaxanthin is derived from "cantharellus" (from Latin, meaning a type of mushroom) and "xanthin" (from Greek "xanthos", meaning yellow). The word refers to a yellow pigment originally found in certain mushrooms, hence its name.

Memory Tip

Imagine a yellow pigment ('xanthin') found in a type of mushroom ('cantharellus') — this helps you remember that canthaxanthin is a yellow pigment.

Visually Confused Words
anthoxanthin
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