noun
A red carotenoid pigment, C40H52O2, produced by certain microorganisms and found in some mushrooms, crustaceans, and fish. It is used in animal feed to impart color and as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant properties.
Origin of canthaxanthin
From New Latin Cantharellus genus name of the chanterelle, from which the pigment was first extracted ( from New Latin cantharellus ) ( diminutive of Latin cantharus cup ; see chanterelle . ) xanth(o)- -in