chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil 

-fəl

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 respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

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

chlorophyllous

ˌklȯr-ə-ˈfi-ləs 

adjective

Examples of chlorophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When chlorophyll is stored during the fall and winter, what’s left are the reds, oranges, and purples of fall that leaves get from compounds called carotenoids and anthocyanins, the travel website noted. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

The loss of this chlorophyll exposes yellow pigments that have been there in the leaves all along. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025

Broccoli contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, and green pigment compounds (chlorophyll and carotenoids). —Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Nov. 2025

April showers bring May chlorophyll. —Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil 

ˈklȯr-,

-fəl

: the green coloring matter that is found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and is necessary for photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil, ˈklȯr-, -fəl 

1

: the green photosynthetic coloring matter of plants found in chloroplasts and made up chiefly of a blue-black ester C₅₅H₇₂MgN₄O₅ and a dark green ester C₅₅H₇₀MgN₄O₆

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

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

chlorophyllous

ˌklōr-ə-ˈfil-əs, ˌklȯr- 

adjective

also chlorophyllose

-ˈfil-ˌōs, -(ˌ)fil-ˈ