chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
-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 adjective

Examples of chlorophyll 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.
This cues plants to reduce photosynthesis for the season, decreasing chlorophyll, or the green pigment in leaves. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 Read More: Why Some Plants Close Their Leaves at Night Where Does Photosynthesis Take Place? Plant cells are filled with organelles called chloroplasts, which are, in turn, filled with a pigment called chlorophyll (the same one that gives plants their green color). Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 In plants, this element is linked to chlorophyll, which gives them their greenness. Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024 Between the lines: The green color in leaves comes from chlorophyll, the pigment that helps plants turn sunlight into energy via photosynthesis. Worth Sparkman, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chlorophyll 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorophyll was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near chlorophyll

Cite this Entry

“Chlorophyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorophyll. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun
chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
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 How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
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 adjective
also chlorophyllose

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorophyll

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