Definitions

1. noun

A yellow pigment found in plants and some animals, especially as a component of rhodopsin and other visual pigments.

“The eye contains a pigment called xanthin, which plays a crucial role in vision.”

2. chemistry

Any of several yellow or yellow-green plant pigments, such as xanthophylls or carotenoids, especially those in the rhodopsin of the retina.

“The xanthin in the carrot helps to protect it from excessive sunlight.”