phytoestrogen

noun

phy·to·es·tro·gen ˌfī-tō-ˈe-strə-jən

: 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 Figs are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytoestrogens, which support women’s health. — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 1 Nov. 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 When estrogen levels are low, phytoestrogens can mimic the hormone's effects. — Joy Emeh, Health, 22 June 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

phytoestrogen

noun

phy·to·es·tro·gen -ˈes-trə-jən

variants or chiefly British phyto-oestrogen

: a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties

phytoestrogen

noun

Examples of phytoestrogen in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes