phytochemical

1 of 2

adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2

noun

: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants

Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
In host switching, new adaptations are required to adapt to plants in novel lineages with phytochemical defenses the insect has never before encountered in its evolutionary history. Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023 Oats also contain the phytochemical avenanthramide that may help to protect the heart and prevent colon cancer, although more research is needed. Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023 To ensure transparency, Exhale Wellness has taken up a policy to provide a phytochemical analysis report of its products as well. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2022 The ability of black sesame seeds to bind to toxic heavy metals may be attributed to lignans, a type of phytochemical commonly found in plants and a major component of sesame seeds. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2016 Again, more research is needed, but barley has a phytochemical called phytosterols. Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 21 Aug. 2020 Blind tasting puts Louisville to the test Other sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral selenium, and the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2018 Particularly high in Vitamin C, kohlrabi’s rich phytochemical content makes it a disease fighting powerhouse. Katie Cavuto, Ms, Rd, Philly.com, 28 June 2017
Noun
For example, when a person follows a diet that severely restricts carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, intake of many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals – or biologically active compounds found in plants – and fiber are reduced. Mandy Conrad, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024 Robinett notes that all varieties contain phytochemicals, and the tastes and benefits are either enhanced or lost entirely based on how the plants are grown, harvested, and processed. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2023 The extraction process used to make Oleo CBD oil is conducted using a proprietary method, resulting in a product that is highly potent and rich in phytochemicals. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023 Plant compounds called phytochemicals have been shown to boost beneficial bacteria, a recent review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found. Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 24 July 2023 Celery Celery seed has been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure (these are mostly animal studies thus far), likely via phytochemicals called phthalides that are thought to have a diuretic effect. Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023 Watermelon also has loads of phytochemicals like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which research has found to prevent chronic disease and calm bloat triggered by inflammation. Colleen De Bellefonds, Women's Health, 30 June 2023 Plants — just like humans — have an immune system, and phytochemicals protect them from bacteria, fungi and other harmful influences. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2023 Dates and All Their Benefits Berries Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, may provide particularly valuable health benefits for people with diabetes and other metabolic conditions.11 Berries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 25 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytochemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch

Noun

phyto- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytochemical was circa 1858

Dictionary Entries Near phytochemical

Cite this Entry

“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

phytochemical

1 of 2 adjective
phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal -ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemically adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially : phytonutrient

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