: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history.
—Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
There’s also a variety of different phytochemicals (a.k.a. plant chemicals) that play a role here, including polyphenols, Dr. Rossi adds.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytochemical 
Adjective
What’s more, peeling the vegetable with bare hands can leave palms and fingernails a ghoulish brown for days, thanks to a phytochemical called cynarin that stains the skin.
—Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history.
—Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Noun
Oregano contains phytochemicals that may have antispasmodic effects.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
There’s also a variety of different phytochemicals (a.k.a. plant chemicals) that play a role here, including polyphenols, Dr. Rossi adds.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytochemical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytochemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near phytochemical
Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytochemical
1 of 2 adjective
phy·to·chem·i·cal
-ˈkem-i-kəl 
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemical
2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially
: phytonutrient
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share