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
ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
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
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.
Adjective
What’s more, peeling the vegetable with bare hands can leave palms and fingernails a ghoulish brown for days, thanks to a phytochemical called cynarin that stains the skin. — Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024 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
Noun
Apples also contain phytochemicals, which can help with a variety of issues from brain health to microbiome health. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Kale Unlike lettuce, which contains no glucosinolates, kale is one of the richest dietary sources of these sulfur-containing phytochemicals, which have health benefits for humans. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for phytochemical

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

Rhymes for phytochemical

See All Rhymes for phytochemical

Browse Nearby Words

phytocecidium
phytochemical
phytochemistry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce phytochemical (audio)
adverb

phytochemical

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

More from Merriam-Webster on phytochemical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phytochemical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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