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

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Extra-virgin olive oil and regular olive oil have similar fat profiles, but extra-virgin olive oil contains more plant compounds (polyphenols). — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2026

This potential benefit is likely due to tea’s high antioxidant and polyphenol content. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 9 Sep. 2026

Gino Vierhouten is Amacx’s CEO, responsible for all areas of the company — including sourcing the particular species of Montmorency cherry needed to provide the maximum amount of polyphenols. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Olive Oil Olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean-style eating and a major source of healthy fats and polyphenols. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 30 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