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

These greens are also rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids—compounds shown to regulate inflammatory pathways. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026

This metal–polyphenol network acts like a molecular shield, preventing oxidation while also improving light absorption through charge-transfer effects. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026

Blueberries contain antioxidant polyphenols, which act as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria in the large intestine, says Lindsay-Adler. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 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, 8 Apr. 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