saponin
[ sap-uh-nin ]
/ ˈsæp ə nɪn /
noun Biochemistry.
any of a group of amorphous glycosides of terpenes and steroids, occurring in many plants, characterized by an ability to form emulsions and to foam in aqueous solutions, and used as detergents.
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Words nearby saponin
saponaceous, saponaria, saponification, saponification number, saponify, saponin, saponite, sapor, sap orchard, saporific, saporous
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Example sentences from the Web for saponin
British Dictionary definitions for saponin
saponin
/ (ˈsæpənɪn) /
noun
any of a group of plant glycosides with a steroid structure that foam when shaken and are used in detergents
Word Origin for saponin
C19: from French saponine, from Latin sāpō soap
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for saponin
saponin
[ săp′ə-nĭn, sə-pō′- ]
n.
Any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water, used in detergents, foaming agents, and emulsifiers.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for saponin
saponin
[ săp′ə-nĭn, sə-pō′- ]
Any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water. They are used in detergents, foaming agents, and emulsifiers. Some saponins, such as digitalis, affect the heart and have been used as medicines and arrow poisons by indigenous peoples of Africa and South America.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.