phytochemical

1 of 2

adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2

noun

: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants

Examples of phytochemical 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.
Adjective
Blackberries are concentrated sources of the phytochemical ellagic acid, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 28 May 2025 Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves and branches to test for aromatic compounds, such as those found in myrrh. Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
Blueberries contain a mother lode of micronutrients, including Vitamins B6, C and K, along with manganese, antioxidant pigments and phytochemicals attributed to ratcheting up long-term memory and cognitive processing. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 Contain Phytochemicals Papaya seeds also contain phytochemicals, or plant compounds, which have health benefits. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phytochemical

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch

Noun

phyto- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytochemical was circa 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

phytochemical

1 of 2 adjective
phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal -ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!