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

Blueberries The high fiber and phytochemical content of blueberries fuels good gut bugs, reduces inflammation, and maintains a strong gut lining, says Shah. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

Overcooking leads to heat degradation, reducing vitamin C and phytochemical levels. —Laura Schober, Health, 19 Dec. 2025

Noun

Eat more beans: Beans like chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans are packed with soluble fiber and phytochemicals that benefit cholesterol. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026

Both fruits also contain phytochemicals, compounds that help protect the blood vessels’ inner lining.56 The two foods may work synergistically, Zakaria said. —Currie Engel, Health, 12 Mar. 2026

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