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

Walnuts also contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols, gut-healthy fiber, and melatonin, which can help the brain clear away proteins that may build up and disrupt normal cell function, Moon adds. —Ashley Oerman, SELF, 19 Feb. 2026

According to Malone, other great gut-friendly fruit options to add to your diet include kiwi for regularity, pomegranate for a boost of polyphenols, and apples and pears for additional fiber. —Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026

Formulated around one of the most nourishing oils in the world, olive oil -- high in antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

There are also other components in caffeinated beverages – particularly tea – that can provide brain boosting effects such as polyphenols and L-theanine which may guard against oxidative stress and support cerebrovascular function. —New Atlas, 15 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