: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 17 Apr. 2024
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
Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Antioxidants: These are vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (natural plant chemicals) in foods that help neutralize free radicals, which occur as the result of oxidation caused by stressors like exposure to sunlight or pollution, stress, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytochemical 
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
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
Noun
Researchers believe the high amounts of phytochemicals in almonds provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can protect against certain cancers.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Antioxidants: These are vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (natural plant chemicals) in foods that help neutralize free radicals, which occur as the result of oxidation caused by stressors like exposure to sunlight or pollution, stress, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytochemical
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.
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“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytochemical
1 of 2 adjective
phy·to·chem·i·cal
-ˈkem-i-kəl 
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemical
2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially
: phytonutrient
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