resveratrol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “resveratrol” mean?
A polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red grapes and certain other plants, studied for potential health benefits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red grapes and certain other plants, studied for potential health benefits.
A specific type of stilbenoid, a natural compound with antioxidant properties, often discussed in nutritional supplements and biomedical research contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with discussions of the 'French Paradox' (red wine consumption) and anti-aging supplements in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to the larger dietary supplement market, but the term is equally technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “resveratrol” in a Sentence
[Noun] contains resveratrol.Scientists are studying the effects of resveratrol on [noun].The [noun] is high in resveratrol.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resveratrol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (None - not used as a verb)
American English
- (None - not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (None)
American English
- (None)
adjective
British English
- (None - not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use only: 'resveratrol supplement')
American English
- (None - not used as a standard adjective. Attributive use only: 'resveratrol research')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for health supplements, nutraceuticals, and 'superfood' products.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, pharmacology, nutrition science, and gerontology research papers.
Everyday
Appears in health magazines, wellness blogs, and discussions about dietary supplements.
Technical
Precise term in chemistry and molecular biology for the specific compound (C14H12O3).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resveratrol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resveratrol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resveratrol”
- Misspelling as 'reverastrol', 'resveratrol', or 'resveritol'. Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable as 'REEZ-'. Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a resveratrol').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is famously associated with red grapes and wine, resveratrol is also found in other plants like Japanese knotweed, blueberries, peanuts, and cocoa.
While promising results come from laboratory and animal studies, conclusive evidence from large-scale human clinical trials is still limited. It is not an approved pharmaceutical drug.
In British English, it's commonly /ˌrɛzvəˈrætrɒl/ (rez-vuh-RAT-rol). In American English, it's often /rɛzˈvɛrəˌtrɔl/ (rez-VERR-uh-trawl) or similar to the British pronunciation.
Dietary intake, especially from wine, is typically much lower than the doses used in scientific studies. Supplements provide higher doses, but their efficacy and safety are not fully established.
A polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red grapes and certain other plants, studied for potential health benefits.
Resveratrol is usually technical/scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A drop of resveratrol (rare, jocular reference to red wine).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REd S grapes, Very At Role in health' -> RES-VER-AT-ROL. It's in the skin of red grapes and plays a role in research.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE'S DEFENDER (as an antioxidant protecting cells), FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (in anti-aging contexts).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'resveratrol' primarily used?