phytochemical

adjective phy·to·chem·i·cal \ ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of phytochemical

: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry

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phytochemically

play \ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Recent Examples of phytochemical from the Web

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, "Free radicals, antioxidants and why you should maybe drink more red wine," 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, "7 foods you should eat more of this summer," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phytochemical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of phytochemical

circa 1858

phytochemical

noun

Definition of phytochemical

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

Recent Examples of phytochemical from the Web

Vinson’s research has shown that a serving of popcorn contains roughly double the amount of polyphenols as a serving of fruit (although fruit may have different or more numerous amounts of other vitamins and healthy phytochemicals).

— markham heid, Time, "You Asked: What’s the Healthiest Way to Make Popcorn?," 28 Mar. 2018
All of the unsaturated fats, fiber, and phytochemicals (biologically active components of plants) in avocados work a lot of magic.

— caroline walder, Good Housekeeping, "Why You Should Eat Avocado Every Single Day," 26 Feb. 2018
While preliminary studies have shown that the avocado seed does contain various phytochemicals, studies have only looked at their functional properties in rats, in vitro, or topically.

— caroline walder, Good Housekeeping, "Why You Should Eat Avocado Every Single Day," 26 Feb. 2018
First, coffee beans contain phytochemicals (some of which are also found in fruits, vegetables, chocolate and tea) that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

— kendall powell, Washington Post, "After poring over all the evidence, experts declare coffee is (mostly) good for you," 4 Feb. 2018
They're loaded with vitamins and minerals, and also are rich in phytochemicals, which do things like fight inflammation, promote liver detoxification, and help prevent certain types of cancer.

— OregonLive.com, "What's fresh at Portland-area farmers markets this winter," 8 Feb. 2018
The reason: In the absence of pesticides and fertilizers, plants boost their production of the phytochemicals (vitamins and antioxidants) that strengthen their resistance to bugs and weeds.

— jessica decostole, Redbook, "5 Things You Should Know About Organic Food," 29 Nov. 2017
Thanks to the antibacterial effects of bioactive phytochemicals, cinnamon could help clear breakouts, according to a 2015 review of studies.

— julie pennell, Good Housekeeping, "4 Deliciously Healthy Reasons to Love Cinnamon," 3 Jan. 2018
Phytochemicals, more specifically flavonoids, are what give citrus their deep colors and bitter taste, said Cox.

— amy brothers, The Denver Post, "Sunny citrus, at its peak right now, brightens the winter diet," 1 Feb. 2017