phytoestrogen

noun

phy·​to·​es·​tro·​gen ˌfī-tō-ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce phytoestrogen (audio)
: a chemical compound (such as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties

Examples of phytoestrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The herb is also considered a phytoestrogen. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025 This is because soy contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds similar in structure to estrogen.2223 10. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025 Some research suggests that isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen (a plant compound similar to the hormone estrogen), play a role in prostate health. Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025 Simply part your hair and glide it along your scalp to let the treatment’s blend of growth-boosting peptides, circulation-enhancing caffeine, and phytoestrogens like genistein get to work. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for phytoestrogen

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Phytoöstrogen, from phyto- phyto- + Östrogen estrogen

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytoestrogen was in 1964

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phytoestrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoestrogen. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

phytoestrogen

noun
phy·​to·​es·​tro·​gen -ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce phytoestrogen (audio)
variants or chiefly British phyto-oestrogen
: a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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