chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
-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 adjective

Examples of chlorophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iron is an element that plays an important role in the processes of photosynthesis and chlorophyll (plants’ green pigment) formation, and so leaves turn yellow when iron cannot be sufficiently taken up by roots. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 July 2025 Roses can suffer from chlorosis, a lack of chlorophyll production, caused by iron, nitrogen, and magnesium deficiencies or soil pH that is too high. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2025 The grounds crew tests soil moisture content, court hardness wear and plant chlorophyll levels to dictate evening watering amounts. Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 The colors indicate how chlorophyll concentration is changing at specific latitudes, in which the subtropics are generally losing chlorophyll, and the polar regions -- the high-latitude regions -- are greening, the researchers said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for chlorophyll

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorophyll was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chlorophyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorophyll. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun
chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
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 How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
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 adjective
also chlorophyllose

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorophyll

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