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

Avoid leaving your potatoes in a bright, sunny spot in your kitchen as this will lead them to rot due to the production of chlorophyll. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

Chloride is taken up into foliage, which inhibits photosynthesis and chlorophyll production. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025

These bugs suck the plant’s vital sap, weakening the plant and disrupting its ability to produce chlorophyll to feed itself. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

Spaceflight caused a 20% reduction in chlorophyll a, the main pigment involved in photosynthesis, but the spores seemed to be healthy despite that drop, the team found. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Nov. 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