chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil 

-fəl

1

: the green photosynthetic pigment found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and occurring especially as a blue-black ester C₅₅H₇₂MgN₄O₅ or a dark green ester C₅₅H₇₀MgN₄O₆

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant

chlorophyllous

ˌklȯr-ə-ˈfi-ləs 

adjective

Examples of chlorophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trees' chlorophyll production slows down during the fall, causing their leaves to show off color-producing pigments. —Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

As days shorten and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production slows and eventually stops, allowing other pigments to become visible. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Nov. 2024

Because variegated leaves contain less chlorophyll–something a plant that isn't getting enough light can't afford. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Green beans' chlorophyll, soluble fiber, resistant starch, and phenolic compounds may offer cancer protection. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French chlorophylle, from chlor- + Greek phyllon leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil 

ˈklȯr-,

-fəl

: the green coloring matter that is found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and is necessary for photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil, ˈklȯr-, -fəl 

1

: the green photosynthetic coloring matter of plants found in chloroplasts and made up chiefly of a blue-black ester C₅₅H₇₂MgN₄O₅ and a dark green ester C₅₅H₇₀MgN₄O₆

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant

chlorophyllous

ˌklōr-ə-ˈfil-əs, ˌklȯr- 

adjective

also chlorophyllose

-ˈfil-ˌōs, -(ˌ)fil-ˈ