polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpä-lē-ˈfē-ˌnōl 

-fi-ˈnōl

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical

polyphenolic

ˌpä-lē-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnä- 

adjective

Examples of polyphenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chocolate's potential effects could be linked to cocoa's polyphenols — plant compounds that may support heart health by improving blood vessel function and reducing oxidative stress. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Most of what people associate with extra virgin olive oil’s health benefits comes from polyphenols and antioxidants that are only present in oil that’s fresh, properly harvested and minimally processed. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Black coffee contains magnesium, vitamin B2, and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Apr. 2026

These parts of plants are naturally high in polyphenols. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpäl-i-ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl, -fi-ˈ 

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical (as chlorogenic acid) that tends to prevent or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals

polyphenolic

-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnäl-ik 

adjective