gossypol

American  

[gos-uh-pawl, -pol] / ˈgɒs əˌpɔl, -ˌpɒl /

noun

1. a toxic pigment, C 30 H 30 O 8 , derived from cottonseed oil, made nontoxic by heating, presently under study as a potential male contraceptive and antimicrobial.

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gossypol British  

/ ˈɡɒsɪˌpɒl /

noun

1. a toxic crystalline pigment that is a constituent of cottonseed oil

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Etymology

Origin of gossypol

1895–1900; < New Latin Gossyp(ium) ( gossypose ) + -ol ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Rathore’s team used so-called RNAi, or RNA interference, technology to “silence” a gene, virtually eliminating gossypol from the cottonseed.

From Reuters

Gossypol was left at natural levels in the rest of the plant because it guards against insects and disease.

From Reuters

Ordinary cottonseed is unfit for humans and many animals to eat because it contains high levels of gossypol, a toxic chemical.

From Reuters

With financial help from a cotton industry group, scientists led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore used so-called RNAi, or RNA interference, technology to “silence” a gene, virtually eliminating gossypol from the cottonseed.

From Reuters

They left gossypol at natural levels in the rest of the plant because it guards against insects and disease.

From Reuters