chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil 

-fəl

1

: the green photosynthetic pigment found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and occurring especially as a blue-black ester C₅₅H₇₂MgN₄O₅ or a dark green ester C₅₅H₇₀MgN₄O₆

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant

chlorophyllous

ˌklȯr-ə-ˈfi-ləs 

adjective

Examples of chlorophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The increase at Chatfield will help fund water quality projects in Chatfield Reservoir and waterways upstream, focusing on reducing the amount of phosphorus and chlorophyll in the water. —John Meyer, The Denver Post, 1 Jan. 2025

During the summer, leaves appear green because the predominant pigment of photosynthesis, called chlorophyll, reflects green light. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2024

Eliminates Toxins Several studies suggest that wheatgrass's enzymes, amino acids, and chlorophyll may help your body eliminate toxins and remove heavy metals from the bloodstream.45 However, more human research is needed to confirm these benefits. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Trees' chlorophyll production slows down during the fall, causing their leaves to show off color-producing pigments. —Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French chlorophylle, from chlor- + Greek phyllon leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil 

ˈklȯr-,

-fəl

: the green coloring matter that is found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and is necessary for photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil, ˈklȯr-, -fəl 

1

: the green photosynthetic coloring matter of plants found in chloroplasts and made up chiefly of a blue-black ester C₅₅H₇₂MgN₄O₅ and a dark green ester C₅₅H₇₀MgN₄O₆

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2

: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant

chlorophyllous

ˌklōr-ə-ˈfil-əs, ˌklȯr- 

adjective

also chlorophyllose

-ˈfil-ˌōs, -(ˌ)fil-ˈ