Anthocyan

/ænˈθɑːsiən/ noun

Definition

Any of a group of water-soluble pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue colors in flowers, fruits, and leaves.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthos' (flower) + 'kyanos' (blue). Named originally for blue flower pigments but later applied to the whole class of anthocyanin compounds.

Kelly Says

Anthocyans are like flowers' color-changing chemistry set—the same pigment can shift from red in acidic soil to blue in alkaline conditions, which is why hydrangeas are famous for changing colors based on where they're planted.

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