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

Oral sunscreens typically contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids (pigments), and polyphenols (plant compounds). —Kristen Fischer, Health, 8 Apr. 2025

Several studies have found that polyphenols, especially tannins, can also play havoc with your iron supplement. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025

For example, studies have suggested that resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red grapes, might help protect the cavernosa in mice. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

The Mediterranean olives are also hand-picked and cold-pressed to help preserve the polyphenols and the benefits that come with them. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

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