piperine

noun

pip·​er·​ine ˈpi-pə-ˌrēn How to pronounce piperine (audio)
: a white crystalline alkaloid C17H19NO3 that is the chief active constituent of pepper

Examples of piperine 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.
Studies suggest that piperine, a compound in black pepper, can increase curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000% in just 45 minutes.8 Another way to improve curcumin bioavailability is by preparing it with a source of fat, such as avocado, olive oil, nut butters, eggs, or fish.910 2. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 25 Aug. 2025 Some turmeric supplements contain curcumin with piperine (from black pepper), which can boost absorption up to 20-fold.2 Curcumin is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2025 In one study, adding 20 mg of piperine to turmeric reportedly increased bioavailability 20-fold. ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for piperine

Word History

Etymology

probably from French pipérine, from Latin piper pepper

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of piperine was in 1820

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Piperine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piperine. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

piperine

noun
pip·​er·​ine ˈpip-ə-ˌrēn How to pronounce piperine (audio)
: a white crystalline alkaloid C17H19NO3 that is the chief active constituent of pepper

More from Merriam-Webster on piperine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!