: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
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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
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
The research involved comparing farms across the U.S. that employed these methods for at least five years with neighboring conventional farms and the researchers found a notable increase in essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that support human health.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
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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
Robinett notes that all varieties contain phytochemicals, and the tastes and benefits are either enhanced or lost based on how the plants are grown, harvested, and processed.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024
The research involved comparing farms across the U.S. that employed these methods for at least five years with neighboring conventional farms and the researchers found a notable increase in essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that support human health.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytochemical
Dictionary Entries Near phytochemical
Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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
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