resveratrol

noun

res·​ver·​a·​trol rez-ˈvir-ə-ˌtrȯl 

-ˌträl,

-ˌtrōl 

: a trihydroxy stilbene derivative C₁₄H₁₂O₃ that is found in some plants, fruits, seeds, and grape-derived products (such as red wine) and has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and cancer

Examples of resveratrol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, resveratrol in grapes, pistachios, and dark chocolate turns on sirtuins, master regulators of new mitochondria creation. —Dr. Sharon Bergquist, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025

For example, studies have suggested that resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red grapes, might help protect the cavernosa in mice. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

That includes his first venture, which GSK bought in 2008, to develop his finding that the red-wine compound resveratrol helped yeast and worms live longer. —Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025

But since quercetin and resveratrol interact with many prescription medications, make sure to check with your doctor before taking this supplement. —April Benshosan, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from resinous + veratr- (from New Latin Veratrum grandiflorum, hellebore in which the substance was found) + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

resveratrol

noun

res·​ver·​a·​trol rez-ˈvir-ə-ˌtrȯl  -ˌträl  -ˌtrōl 

: a compound C₁₄H₁₂O₃ that is a trihydroxy trans form of stilbene found in some plants, fruits (as the mulberry), and seeds (as the peanut) and especially in the skin of grapes and certain grape-derived products (as red wine) and that has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and cancer