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Definition of xanthopterin
xanthopterin
/zænˈθɑːp.tɚ.ɪn/
xan · thop · ter · in
Plural:xanthopterins
xanthopterin Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
xanthopterin Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
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WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A yellow crystalline pigment of the pterin class, naturally occurring in the wings of certain butterflies, wasps, and other insects, as well as in the urine of mammals.
Example
"The distinct yellow coloration on the wings of the brimstone butterfly is primarily due to the accumulation of xanthopterin."
• Rhymes for xanthopterin
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Greek 'xanthos' (yellow) and 'pteron' (wing), combined with the chemical suffix '-in'. It was named for its initial discovery as a vibrant yellow pigment in the wings of butterflies.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Xanthopterin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/xanthopterin