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
ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
In their whole form, grains provide B vitamins, Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, copper, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. — Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 Berries and Cottage Cheese Berries contain fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (beneficial chemicals found in plants).3 A one-half cup of mixed berries contains around 80 calories. — Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for phytochemical

See All Rhymes for phytochemical

Browse Nearby Words

phytocecidium
phytochemical
phytochemistry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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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
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phytochemical

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