phytochemical

[ fahy-tuh-kem-i-kuhl ]

noun

1. Also called phytonutrient. any of various bioactive chemical compounds found in plants, as antioxidants, considered to be beneficial to human health.

adjective

1. of or relating to phytochemistry or phytochemicals.

phytochemical

/ ˌfaɪtəʊˈkɛmɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to phytochemistry or phytochemicals

noun

1. a chemical that occurrs naturally in a plant

phytochemical

/ fī′tō-kĕm′ĭ-kəl /

1. A plant-derived chemical that is not considered an essential nutrient in the human diet but is believed to have beneficial health effects.

Other Words From

• phyto·chemi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytochemical¹

First recorded in 1845–50; phyto- ( def ) + chemical ( def )

Example Sentences

Although expensive, the payoff is impressive, particularly in terms of phytochemicals.

From Nautilus

When plants grow explosively they tend to cut back on making phytochemicals.

From Nautilus

So we end up with big fat high-yielding crops that look good on the outside but are poor in minerals and phytochemicals on the inside.

From Nautilus

Modern agriculture also influences phytochemical levels in food.

From Nautilus

It’s a type of phytochemical that protects plants from ultraviolet radiation.

From Nautilus