catechin
UK[ˈkætɪkɪn]US[ˈkætɪkɪn]
n
a bitter, colorless crystalline compound that is the main antioxidant component of tea and is also found in certain fruits and the bark of some trees.
Etymology
the term 'catechin' originates from the modern latin 'catechu', which refers to an extract from the heartwood of asian trees like acacia catechu, used in tanning and dyeing. 'catechu' itself was borrowed in the 17th century from malayalam 'kaṭakka', via portuguese. the '-in' suffix is a scientific suffix used in chemistry to denote neutral chemical compounds, such as alkaloids or tannins. thus, 'catechin' literally means "the chemical compound derived from catechu," reflecting its initial isolation from this plant extract.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it is not productively formed from morphemes within the english spelling system. its components are derived from the source language.
Examples
green tea is a rich source of catechin, particularly epigallocatechin gallate.
the antioxidant properties of catechin are believed to contribute to various health benefits.
researchers studied the effect of catechin on cardiovascular health.