Chem. [ad. F. xanthophylle (Berzelius), f. Gr. ξανθός yellow + φύλλον leaf.] The yellow coloring-matter of leaves in autumn, a constituent or derivative of chlorophyll; also called phylloxanthin.
1838. R. D. Thomson, in Brit. Ann., 334.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 1052. Xanthophyll.… Nothing certain is known respecting its composition, or of the manner in which it is formed from chlorophyll.
1891. Science-Gossip, XXVII. 46/2. When the life of the leaf is destroyed by frost or drought, the chlorophyll is rapidly changed to xanthophyll.
