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

Drinking celery juice daily can offer impressive health perks, such as controlling blood pressure and enhancing digestion, thanks to its high levels of phytochemicals. —Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 30 Dec. 2025

Sulforaphane, which is abundant in broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage, is a phytochemical that is believed to support the body’s detoxification enzymes and act as an antioxidant. —Vogue, 12 Dec. 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