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chlorophyll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈklɔː.rə.fɪl/US/ˈklɔːr.ə.fɪl/

Formal/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “chlorophyll” mean?

A green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that is essential for photosynthesis.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that is essential for photosynthesis.

Informally used to refer to the color green as associated with plants or the essential green nature of plant life.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. The term is identically technical in both varieties.

Connotations

Purely scientific/botanical. No cultural or connotative differences.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in general usage but standard in scientific/educational contexts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “chlorophyll” in a Sentence

[N] + [V] (e.g., Chlorophyll absorbs light)[V] + [N] (e.g., Plants produce chlorophyll)[Adj] + [N] (e.g., vital chlorophyll)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
contains chlorophyllchlorophyll absorbschlorophyll contentchlorophyll molecule
medium
extract chlorophylllack of chlorophyllproduction of chlorophyll
weak
green chlorophyllsunlight and chlorophyllstudy chlorophyll

Examples

Examples of “chlorophyll” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The chlorophyll content was measured.

American English

  • Chlorophyll levels were high.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used (except possibly in agricultural/biological product industries).

Academic

Standard term in biology, botany, environmental science, and related fields.

Everyday

Rare; likely only in educational contexts (school, documentaries).

Technical

Precise term for the specific pigment types (e.g., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “chlorophyll”

Strong

photosynthetic pigment

Neutral

pigmentgreen pigment

Weak

plant green

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “chlorophyll”

  • Misspelling as 'chlorophyl' (single 'l') is common.
  • Mispronunciation with stress on the third syllable (/klɔː.rə.'fɪl/) is non-standard.
  • Using as a general synonym for 'leaf' or 'plant'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is also found in algae and some bacteria, like cyanobacteria.

Chlorophyll reflects green light and absorbs other colours (primarily red and blue), which is why plants appear green to our eyes.

While not toxic, humans cannot digest chlorophyll in a way that provides nutritional benefit like plants do; it passes through the digestive system.

Yes, the main types in plants are chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Other types exist in different organisms, like chlorophyll c in algae.

A green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that is essential for photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll is usually formal/scientific in register.

Chlorophyll: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔː.rə.fɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːr.ə.fɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'CHLOE' the plant needs 'RO' (row) of 'PHIL' (philosophers) to be GREEN. Chlorophyll = Chloe's row of philosophers = plant green.

Conceptual Metaphor

Chlorophyll is the green blood of plants.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The process of photosynthesis relies on to capture light energy.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of chlorophyll?

chlorophyll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore