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

Even herbal and medicinal tea preparations affect iron absorption due to their rich polyphenol content.4 Green tea and ferritin levels: The type of polyphenol in green tea (catechins) also negatively affects iron absorption. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025

Apples are also rich in polyphenol antioxidants and other protective plant compounds. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 May 2025

The most well-known amongst these are caffeine, L-theanine and different types of polyphenols. —Andrew Weil, Flow Space, 8 May 2025

Olive polyphenols provide free radical protection to fight against further damage, while hydrating glycerin and nourishing squalane leave skin looking soft and supple. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025

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