: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
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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
Finally, the whole grains are also abundant in unique phytochemicals known as avenanthramides—compounds known to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-itching properties, among others.—Caroline Tien, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 Anthocyanins are the phytochemicals that give purple and blue fruits and vegetables their pigment.—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phytochemical
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
phyto- + chemical entry 1, probably after New Latin phytochemicus or German phytochemisch
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