phytochemical

1 of 2

adjective

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

: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry

phytochemically

ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē 

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

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

Polyphenols are types of phytochemicals (compounds known to provide health benefits) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 20 June 2025

Fruits and vegetables also contain myriad anti-inflammatory phytochemicals — naturally occurring compounds that provide an array of health benefits. —Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

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

Rhymes for phytochemical

• academical
• agrochemical
• biochemical
• cytochemical
• geochemical
• histochemical
• microchemical
• neurochemical
• petrochemical
• photochemical
• spectrochemical
• thermochemical

Medical Definition

phytochemical

1 of 2 adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal -ˈkem-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry

phytochemically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2 noun

: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants

especially : phytonutrient