Main Entry:

chlo·ro·phyll

Pronunciation:

\ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil, -fəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1819

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 chlorophyll a chlorophyll b 2 : a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant

— chlo·ro·phyl·lous \ˌklȯr-ə-ˈfi-ləs\ adjective