Chrysophyll

/ˈkrɪsoʊfɪl/ noun

Definition

A golden or yellow pigment found in leaves and plants, often appearing when chlorophyll (the green pigment) breaks down.

Etymology

From Greek 'chrysos' (gold) and 'phyllon' (leaf). The term literally means 'golden leaf' and refers to the golden pigments that become visible in autumn when green chlorophyll fades.

Kelly Says

Fall colors aren't created—they're revealed! Golden and red pigments (carotenoids and anthocyanins) were in leaves all summer, hidden by green chlorophyll, and only become visible when the tree reabsorbs the green dye!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.