phytochemical

1 of 2

adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-kəl 

: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry

phytochemically

ˌfī-tō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2

noun

: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants

Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves and branches to test for aromatic compounds, such as those found in myrrh. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024

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

Noun

The research involved comparing farms across the U.S. that employed these methods for at least five years with neighboring conventional farms and the researchers found a notable increase in essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that support human health. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

This is likely due to phytochemicals found in plants and fiber.9 Hummus contains fiber, which has a low glycemic index and delays gastric emptying, two factors that reduce after-meal blood sugars.5 6. —Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch

Noun

phyto- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1966, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

phytochemical

1 of 2 adjective

phy·​to·​chem·​i·​cal -ˈkem-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry

phytochemically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

phytochemical

2 of 2 noun

: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants

especially : phytonutrient