chlorophyll

noun

chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklȯr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
-fəl
1
: the green photosynthetic pigment found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and occurring especially as a blue-black ester C55H72MgN4O5 or a dark green ester C55H70MgN4O6

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2
: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant
chlorophyllous adjective

Examples of chlorophyll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Satellite images of the Gulf of Maine compare chlorophyll concentrations from August 2023 to those from 2022.Kimberly Hyde/NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center CONCORD, N.H. — Phytoplankton blooming in the Gulf of Maine is normal. Amanda Gokee, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023 Sign up But the chlorophyll complex requires many other molecules to do its job. Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 18 Apr. 2023 The tasteless drops contain a chlorophyll blend, which is said to help the body get rid of toxins through the gastrointestinal tract, the product description says. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 13 Apr. 2023 Pam Johnsen | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee When trees stop producing chlorophyll, other compounds shine through. Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 Chlorophyll Water: Ideal for skin-conscious individuals, this variant is rich in chlorophyll, known for its detoxifying properties and potential skin benefits. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023 Plants use chlorophyll pigments to transform that solar energy into chemical energy. WIRED, 2 Oct. 2023 As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, the chlorophyll that makes leaves appear green begins to break down. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Sep. 2023 The team believes that this new study demonstrates that monitoring the oceans colors beyond green chlorophyll can give a faster and clearer way to detect changes to marine ecosystems. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chlorophyll.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French chlorophylle, from chlor- + Greek phyllon leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorophyll was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near chlorophyll

Cite this Entry

“Chlorophyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorophyll. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chlorophyll

noun
chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
ˈklȯr-,
-fəl
: the green coloring matter that is found chiefly in the chloroplasts of plants and is necessary for photosynthesis

Medical Definition

chlorophyll

noun
chlo·​ro·​phyll ˈklōr-ə-ˌfil, ˈklȯr-, -fəl How to pronounce chlorophyll (audio)
1
: the green photosynthetic coloring matter of plants found in chloroplasts and made up chiefly of a blue-black ester C55H72MgN4O5 and a dark green ester C55H70MgN4O6

called also respectively chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b

2
: a waxy green chlorophyll-containing substance extracted from green plants and used as a coloring agent or deodorant
chlorophyllous adjective
also chlorophyllose

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorophyll

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