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

In sourdough specifically, the process increases the availability of compounds such as polyphenols and organic acids, which boast antioxidant activity. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026

The polyphenols and tannins in coffee bind to iron in the digestive tract and block it from being absorbed. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

The mechanism is an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, or PPO, abundant in bananas, which destroys flavanols both during blending and inside the stomach. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

Pomegranate juice is better for supporting heart health and blood pressure due to its high potassium and polyphenol content. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 June 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