phytochemical

1 of 2

adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2

noun

: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants

Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves and branches to test for aromatic compounds, such as those found in myrrh. Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024 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
Noun
Anthocyanins are the phytochemicals that give purple and blue fruits and vegetables their pigment. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024 Blackberries Blackberries are packed with nutrients and phytochemicals that can improve and protect health in several ways. Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phytochemical 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch

Noun

phyto- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytochemical was circa 1858

Dictionary Entries Near phytochemical

Cite this Entry

“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

phytochemical

1 of 2 adjective
phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal -ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially : phytonutrient

More from Merriam-Webster on phytochemical

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