phytoestrogen

noun

phy·​to·​es·​tro·​gen ˌfī-tō-ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce phytoestrogen (audio)
: a chemical compound (such as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties

Examples of phytoestrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some evidence has suggested that consuming foods that contain phytoestrogens helps reduce breast cancer risk.1 Other research on the link between phytoestrogens and breast cancer has been mixed. Cynthia Sass, Health, 23 Sep. 2025 The herb is also considered a phytoestrogen. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025 This is because soy contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds similar in structure to estrogen.2223 10. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025 Some research suggests that isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen (a plant compound similar to the hormone estrogen), play a role in prostate health. Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for phytoestrogen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Phytoöstrogen, from phyto- phyto- + Östrogen estrogen

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytoestrogen was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Phytoestrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoestrogen. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

phytoestrogen

noun
phy·​to·​es·​tro·​gen -ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce phytoestrogen (audio)
variants or chiefly British phyto-oestrogen
: a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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