adaptogen

noun

adap·​to·​gen ə-ˈdap-tə-jən How to pronounce adaptogen (audio)
: a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning
adaptogenic adjective

Examples of adaptogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Contrary to popular belief, adaptogens cannot get rid of stress. Valeriya Chupinina, StyleCaster, 17 July 2024 This Source Naturals supplement has adaptogens eleutherococcus and astragalus that naturally help lower stress levels. Carly Monardo, Bon Appétit, 8 Oct. 2024 Other energy supplements may contain adaptogens or herbal ingredients, like ginseng or ashwagandha. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024 Many include adaptogens, herbs that are marketed as having specific health and cognitive benefits, while others include substances such as THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, for their mood-altering properties. Ece Yildirim, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adaptogen 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Russian, from adaptatsiya adaptation + -o- -o- + -gen -gen

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptogen was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near adaptogen

Cite this Entry

“Adaptogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptogen. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

adaptogen

noun
adap·​to·​gen ə-ˈdap-tə-jən How to pronounce adaptogen (audio)
: a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning
Fortunately, a class of herbs known in herbal medicine as adaptogens can provide an added boost of vitality and increase the body's ability to adapt to common stresses.James Bailey, Yoga Journal,
adaptogenic adjective
adaptogenic herbs like ginseng and milk thistle, which can help build stress resistance. Barb Berggoetz, The Indianapolis (Indiana) Star
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