: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
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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
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
Koh, Luke, and colleagues next plan to study the phytochemicals in hellebore specimens harvested from Greece, as well as test their biochemistry and efficacy against ancient medicine’s claims.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 July 2025
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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
Reduces Stress and Inflammation Spinach also has antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytochemicals that protect your cells from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
Koh, Luke, and colleagues next plan to study the phytochemicals in hellebore specimens harvested from Greece, as well as test their biochemistry and efficacy against ancient medicine’s claims.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phytochemical
Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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