: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Oats also contain the phytochemical avenanthramide that may help to protect the heart and prevent colon cancer, although more research is needed.
—Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023
To ensure transparency, Exhale Wellness has taken up a policy to provide a phytochemical analysis report of its products as well.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022
The ability of black sesame seeds to bind to toxic heavy metals may be attributed to lignans, a type of phytochemical commonly found in plants and a major component of sesame seeds.
—Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2016
Again, more research is needed, but barley has a phytochemical called phytosterols.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 21 Aug. 2020
Blind tasting puts Louisville to the test Other sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2018
Particularly high in Vitamin C, kohlrabi’s rich phytochemical content makes it a disease fighting powerhouse.
—Katie Cavuto, Ms, Rd, Philly.com, 28 June 2017
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023
Plant compounds called phytochemicals have been shown to boost beneficial bacteria, a recent review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found.
—Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 24 July 2023
Celery Celery seed has been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure (these are mostly animal studies thus far), likely via phytochemicals called phthalides that are thought to have a diuretic effect.
—Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
Watermelon also has loads of phytochemicals like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which research has found to prevent chronic disease and calm bloat triggered by inflammation.
—Colleen De Bellefonds, Women's Health, 30 June 2023
Plants — just like humans — have an immune system, and phytochemicals protect them from bacteria, fungi and other harmful influences.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2023
Dates and All Their Benefits Berries Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, may provide particularly valuable health benefits for people with diabetes and other metabolic conditions.11 Berries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.
—Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 25 June 2023
This extract is derived from the root of Panax ginseng and is rich in phytochemicals that help to boost energy levels, improve cognition, and support your immune system.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2023
This delicious dessert provides lots of nutrients and phytochemicals.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2023
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Adjective
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history.
—Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023
Oats also contain the phytochemical avenanthramide that may help to protect the heart and prevent colon cancer, although more research is needed.
—Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023
To ensure transparency, Exhale Wellness has taken up a policy to provide a phytochemical analysis report of its products as well.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022
The ability of black sesame seeds to bind to toxic heavy metals may be attributed to lignans, a type of phytochemical commonly found in plants and a major component of sesame seeds.
—Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2016
Again, more research is needed, but barley has a phytochemical called phytosterols.
—Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 21 Aug. 2020
Blind tasting puts Louisville to the test Other sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2018
Particularly high in Vitamin C, kohlrabi’s rich phytochemical content makes it a disease fighting powerhouse.
—Katie Cavuto, Ms, Rd, Philly.com, 28 June 2017
Noun
The extraction process used to make Oleo CBD oil is conducted using a proprietary method, resulting in a product that is highly potent and rich in phytochemicals.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023
Plant compounds called phytochemicals have been shown to boost beneficial bacteria, a recent review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found.
—Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 24 July 2023
Celery Celery seed has been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure (these are mostly animal studies thus far), likely via phytochemicals called phthalides that are thought to have a diuretic effect.
—Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
Watermelon also has loads of phytochemicals like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which research has found to prevent chronic disease and calm bloat triggered by inflammation.
—Colleen De Bellefonds, Women's Health, 30 June 2023
Plants — just like humans — have an immune system, and phytochemicals protect them from bacteria, fungi and other harmful influences.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2023
Dates and All Their Benefits Berries Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, may provide particularly valuable health benefits for people with diabetes and other metabolic conditions.11 Berries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.
—Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 25 June 2023
This extract is derived from the root of Panax ginseng and is rich in phytochemicals that help to boost energy levels, improve cognition, and support your immune system.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2023
This delicious dessert provides lots of nutrients and phytochemicals.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytochemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch
Noun
Dictionary Entries Near phytochemical
Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Medical Definition
phytochemical
1 of 2 adjective
phy·to·chem·i·cal
-ˈkem-i-kəl 
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemical
2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially
: phytonutrient
More from Merriam-Webster on phytochemical
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phytochemical
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