polyphenol

American

[pol-ee-fee-nawl, -nol] / ˌpɒl iˈfi nɔl, -nɒl /

noun

Chemistry. a polymeric phenol.
Biochemistry. any of a group of naturally occurring compounds found significantly in fruits, vegetables, cereals, coffee, tea, and wine, and widely studied for properties believed to promote health and fight disease.

polyphenol Scientific

/ pŏl′ē-fē′nôl′,-nōl′ /

Any of various alcohols containing two or more benzene rings that each have at least one hydroxyl group (OH) attached. Many polyphenols occur naturally in plants and some kinds, such as the flavonoids and tannins, are believed to be beneficial to health.

Etymology

Origin of polyphenol

First recorded in 1895–1900; poly- + phenol

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.

See Examples For:

polyphenol

Ferulic acid is a polyphenol found in many plant-based foods, especially whole grains and rice bran.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 30, 2026

The red color of red leaf lettuce comes from anthocyanins, a group of polyphenol pigments that have attracted attention for their antioxidant properties.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026

Such antimicrobial activity was attributed to a direct contact killing process, where the pathogen is initially attached to the coating by catechol molecules and other polyphenol derivatives.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 1, 2024

A: Extra-virgin olive oil contains polyphenol compounds that may contribute to the health benefits it offers as well as to the flavor experienced cooks prize.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 28, 2023

The water slowed absorption but the polyphenol didn’t.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 22, 2021

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