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

The study focuses on how bananas, which are high in polyphenol oxidase, can decrease the absorption of flavan-3-ols, which are a type of flavonoids that boast many health benefits. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Antioxidants in Blueberries The primary antioxidants found in blueberries include anthocyanins, vitamin C, and polyphenols. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026

Certain polyphenols in coffee have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress (an imbalance that can cause cellular damage) and inflammation—both of which accelerate aging. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 12 Jan. 2026

Delivers Antioxidants Green vegetables contain plant compounds called polyphenols and flavonoids. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 10 Jan. 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