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

Kash says they are packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids to neutralize free radicals that cause stress and inflammation and help with boosting your immune system overall. — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Bananas contain polyphenol oxidase (PPO), an enzyme that can break down polyphenols, which are beneficial for gut, heart and brain health, according to Patrick, who is based in San Diego. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Proanthocyanidins are a kind of polyphenol found in several fruit, vegetable, and seed varieties that help protect the body from oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026

Blackberries Blackberries are rich in polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyphenol

• nitrophenol
• allopurinol
• dinitrophenol
• eugenol
• pentachlorophenol
• phenol

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