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

While this type of polyphenol is ideally obtained through unprocessed means like fruit and vegetables, its presence in dark chocolate may help offset the negative aspects of milk chocolate. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024

These include plenty of polyphenols, which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals that calm oxidative stress—internal wear and tear—in the body. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Cocoa is loaded with compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to help our bodies fend off inflammation, lower blood pressure and maybe even improve our moods. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

Many plant proteins also have molecules called polyphenols bound to their surfaces that contribute to beany flavors. —Bob Holmes, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 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