adaptogen

American

[uh-dapt-uh-juhn, -jen] / əˈdæpt ə dʒən, -dʒɛn /

noun

a substance, usually derived from a plant, that is alleged to support the body while it is under stress and help it return to normal functioning afterward.

adaptogen British

/ əˈdæptədʒən /

noun

any of various natural substances used in herbal medicine to normalize and regulate the systems of the body

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

adaptogenic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of adaptogen

C20: from _adapt + _-gen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She began taking supplements including an adaptogen blend and a herbal tonic to aid with stress management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

Grass&Co told us it's their mission "to deliver high-strength natural adaptogen and vitamin-packed blends formulated by experts... which are supported by approved health claims."

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

While ashwagandha has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, only recently has it become more popular in the United States, where it is marketed as a so-called "adaptogen" for enhancing one's life.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2023

Compost seems to act like an adaptogen for soil.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2022

Droplet sells a three-can sampler of its sparkling adaptogen drinks, Pretty Balanced, Pretty Happy and Pretty Bright, for $20.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023