polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpä-lē-ˈfē-ˌnōl 

-fi-ˈnōl

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical

polyphenolic

ˌpä-lē-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnä- 

adjective

Examples of polyphenol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers note that pecans contain polyphenols, which may help keep blood vessels healthy by reducing inflammation. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

Among other things, polyphenols reduce oxidative stress, kill bacteria, and reduce inflammation in body tissue. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2025

Oleic acid in avocado oil helps other fatty acids penetrate the skin, and polyphenols provide antioxidant effects that reduce skin inflammation or irritation. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

These include flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, quinones, terpenoids, and alkaloids. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polyphenol

noun

poly·​phe·​nol ˌpäl-i-ˈfē-ˌnōl, -ˌnȯl, -fi-ˈ 

: a polyhydroxy phenol

especially : an antioxidant phytochemical (as chlorogenic acid) that tends to prevent or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals

polyphenolic

-fi-ˈnō-lik  -ˈnäl-ik 

adjective