phytoalexin

[fahy-toh-uh-lek-sin]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of plant compounds that accumulate at the site of invading microorganisms and confer resistance to disease.

phytoalexin

/ ˌfaɪtəʊəˈlɛksɪn /

noun

1. botany any of a group of substances produced by plants that inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi that infect them

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytoalexin¹

First recorded in 1945–50; phyto- + alexin

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytoalexin¹

C20: from _phyto- + Greek alexein to ward off

Example Sentences

“Polyphenols are antioxidants, given their name based on the number of phenols in their grouping,” explains Dr. Graf, “Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin compound found in grapes, red wine and certain berries.”

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