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

These phytochemicals have the following properties and provide health benefits:1 1. —Melissa Porrey Lpc, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

Additionally, phytochemicals in blueberries are linked to various health benefits, including cancer-fighting properties. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for phytochemical

• academical
• agrochemical
• biochemical
• cytochemical
• geochemical
• histochemical
• microchemical
• neurochemical
• petrochemical
• photochemical
• spectrochemical
• thermochemical

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