xanthophyl

from The Century Dictionary.

• In botany, the peculiar yellow coloring matter of autumn leaves, due to the decomposition of chlorophyl. Its chemical composition and the processes of its formation are not well known. See chlorophyl, chrysophyl. Also called phylloxanthin.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

• noun yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks