: a chemical compound (such as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants
Examples of phytochemical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Overcooking leads to heat degradation, reducing vitamin C and phytochemical levels.
—
Laura Schober,
Health,
19 Dec. 2025
Alexandra Frost,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Kale Unlike lettuce, which contains no glucosinolates, kale is one of the richest dietary sources of these sulfur-containing phytochemicals, which have health benefits for humans.
—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2026
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Adjective
Blueberries The high fiber and phytochemical content of blueberries fuels good gut bugs, reduces inflammation, and maintains a strong gut lining, says Shah.
—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Overcooking leads to heat degradation, reducing vitamin C and phytochemical levels.
—
Laura Schober,
Health,
19 Dec. 2025
Noun
Apples also contain phytochemicals, which can help with a variety of issues from brain health to microbiome health.
—
Alexandra Frost,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Kale Unlike lettuce, which contains no glucosinolates, kale is one of the richest dietary sources of these sulfur-containing phytochemicals, which have health benefits for humans.
—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for phytochemical
Cite this Entry
“Phytochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytochemical. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytochemical
1 of 2 adjective
phy·to·chem·i·cal
-ˈkem-i-kəl 
: of, relating to, or being phytochemistry
phytochemical
2 of 2 noun
: a chemical compound (as a carotenoid or phytosterol) occurring naturally in plants
especially
: phytonutrient
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