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

Other components of coffee, such as the polyphenol caffeic acid, which is not the same as caffeine, have been shown to increase learning and boost cognitive function while also reducing stress and inflammation in the brain. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026

Anthocyanin, a flavonoid antioxidant responsible for their deep blue color, helps combat inflammation, Nieman said, along with the berries’ polyphenols and phenolic acids. —Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026

This is due to polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme found in potatoes (and many other vegetables). —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026

Both dark chocolate and green tea contain polyphenols with antioxidant benefits, but one stands out. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Feb. 2026

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