Definition

A natural red pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes, that is known for its antioxidant properties.

Example

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about lycopene?

Yeah, I think it's that red pigment in tomatoes, right?

Exactly! It's supposed to be really good for your health.

I should eat more tomatoes then, since lycopene is so beneficial!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lycopene is formed from "lyco-" (from Greek "lukos", meaning wolf) and "-pene" (from Greek "pēnē", meaning substance or material). The term originally referred to a substance derived from the wolf's bane plant, which is associated with the name due to its historical use and appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lyco-' meaning 'wolf' and '-pene' referring to a substance. This helps you remember that lycopene is a substance associated with plants, particularly those like tomatoes, which are rich in this compound.

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