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

Additionally, the polyphenols and antioxidants help to prevent sugar absorption. —Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026

In sourdough specifically, the process increases the availability of compounds such as polyphenols and organic acids, which boast antioxidant activity. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026

The culprit is an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, or PPO, which is abundant in bananas. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

Better Heart Health Green tea contains antioxidants like polyphenols and catechins, which reduce harmful compounds called free radicals in the body. —Trista Chan, Health, 10 June 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