n.
Pronunciation: ˌ fi-t ō - ə - ' lek-s ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary phyt- + alexin substance combating infection, from Greek alexein to ward off, protect; akin to Sanskrit rak ș ati he protects
Date: 1949
: any of various antimicrobial chemical substances produced by plants to combat infection by a pathogen (as a fungus)