flavone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “flavone” mean?
A specific class of organic chemical compound, found in plants, which is the basis of many plant pigments (flavonoids).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific class of organic chemical compound, found in plants, which is the basis of many plant pigments (flavonoids).
Any of a class of colorless or pale yellow crystalline compounds, C15H10O2, which are the parent substances of many plant pigments and are studied for their potential antioxidant and health-related properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Usage is confined to chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition science, and botany.
Grammar
How to Use “flavone” in a Sentence
The study analysed the [flavone] content.The compound is a derivative of [flavone].[Flavones] such as apigenin were isolated.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flavone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The flavone fraction was collected.
- They studied flavone biosynthesis pathways.
American English
- The flavone extract was analyzed.
- Flavone research has increased in recent years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in pharmaceutical, supplement, or agricultural product R&D contexts.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and nutritional science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, likely on a food/supplement label or health article.
Technical
Standard term in relevant scientific fields for the specific chemical structure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flavone”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flavone”
- Using 'flavone' interchangeably with 'flavonoid'. A flavone is one specific type of flavonoid.
- Mispronouncing it as /fləˈvəʊn/ (like 'flavor' without the 'r'). The first syllable is stressed and rhymes with 'day'.
- Capitalising it (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Flavone is a specific subclass of flavonoids. All flavones are flavonoids, but not all flavonoids are flavones (others include flavonols, flavanones, etc.).
Despite the similar spelling, flavones are not directly related to taste or flavour. The name originates from Latin 'flavus' (yellow), referring to the colour of some natural derivatives.
Flavones are naturally occurring in many plants, including parsley, thyme, celery, and various herbs and flowers. They often contribute to pigmentation and plant defence.
It is a highly specialised scientific term with zero utility in general communication. It is only relevant for advanced study or work in specific scientific fields, placing it firmly at the C2 (Mastery) proficiency level.
A specific class of organic chemical compound, found in plants, which is the basis of many plant pigments (flavonoids).
Flavone is usually technical/scientific in register.
Flavone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪvəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪvoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FLAVone' as the FLAVourless (colourless) ONE - the basic, parent compound from which colourful plant flavonoids are derived.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARENT/ANCESTOR (The flavone structure is the 'parent' or 'backbone' for many other flavonoid compounds).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'flavone'?