beta-carotene
noun
be·ta-car·o·tene ˈbā-tə-ˈker-ə-ˌtēn 
-ˈka-rə-
: an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits
Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
beta-carotene
noun
be·ta-car·o·tene
variants or β-carotene
-ˈkar-ə-ˌtēn
: a reddish-orange pigment that is an an isomer of carotene found chiefly in orange and dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach) and that is converted to vitamin A in the body
Note: Beta-carotene is the most active and widespread provitamin A and is derived commercially from natural sources or is prepared synthetically.