polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpä-lē-ˈfē-ˌnōl How to pronounce polyphenol (audio)
-fi-ˈnōl
: a polyhydroxy phenol
especially : an antioxidant phytochemical
polyphenolic adjective

Examples of polyphenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Previous research has shown that a diet rich in polyphenols — a class of compounds found in many plant foods that act as antioxidants — could boost the immune system and reduce the risk of severe disease. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2023 Plus, coffee also contains bioactive components—like chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and caffeine—which can impact the body's metabolic health for the better. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2023 The activity level may compensate for the lack of polyphenols in dark roasts.8 Anti-Inflammatory Properties One study found that light roasts have more substantial anti-inflammatory effects than dark roasts. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 29 Oct. 2023 It’s packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that help to protect the body against disease and slow down the natural aging of the brain. Georgia Day, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2023 Antioxidants Light roasts may have an advantage regarding the number of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, remaining after the roasting process. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 29 Oct. 2023 Crouch says that oils that are made from fruits, such as avocado or olive oil, are preferable for use in cooking due to them not being processed and having polyphenols that help lower the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2023 However, like apples, pomegranates are rich in heart-healthy polyphenols, which give the fruit its rich color, Mesa explained. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023 The reason this happens is because apples contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyphenol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyphenol was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near polyphenol

Cite this Entry

“Polyphenol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyphenol. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

polyphenol

noun
: a polyhydroxy phenol
especially : an antioxidant phytochemical (as chlorogenic acid) that tends to prevent or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals
polyphenolic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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