polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpä-lē-ˈfē-ˌnōl 

-fi-ˈnōl

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical

polyphenolic

ˌpä-lē-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnä- 

adjective

Examples of polyphenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both peanuts and popcorn contain plant polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and may reduce inflammation. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2026

There have been individual studies finding higher levels of certain plant compounds, including polyphenols such as anthocyanins, in organic blueberries. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026

Cutting back on aggressive cleansers, leaning on fiber and polyphenols and giving your face a few product-free days can do more for stubborn redness than another serum. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Kash says they are packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids to neutralize free radicals that cause stress and inflammation and help with boosting your immune system overall. — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyphenol

• nitrophenol
• allopurinol
• dinitrophenol
• eugenol
• pentachlorophenol
• phenol

Medical Definition

polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpäl-i-ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl, -fi-ˈ 

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical (as chlorogenic acid) that tends to prevent or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals

polyphenolic

-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnäl-ik 

adjective