ca|rot|en|oid

ca|rot|en|oid «kuh ROT uh noyd», noun, adjective.

–n.

any one of a group of pigments ranging from yellow to dark-red in color, found in various plant and animal tissues. The group includes carotene and certain related alcohols, ketones, and ethers. »

In decaying leaves we find considerable amounts of terpenes, in the form of yellow pigments, or carotenoids (Scientific American).

–adj.

1. like carotene.

2. of the carotenoids.