saponin

American  

[sap-uh-nin] / ˈsæp ə nɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. 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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saponin British  

/ ˈsæpənɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of plant glycosides with a steroid structure that foam when shaken and are used in detergents

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saponin Scientific  

/ săp′ə-nĭn,sə-pō′- /

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of saponin

1825–35; < French saponine < Latin sāpōn- (stem of sāpō ) soap + French -ine -in ²

Example Sentences

A portion of the quinoa genome annotation, containing genes in a window surrounding the mapped saponin production locus.

From Nature • Feb. 7, 2017

The early steps in the saponin biosynthetic pathway that are presumably regulated by TSARL1 are shared by other pathways, including sterol biosynthesis.

From Nature • Feb. 7, 2017

Thoroughly washing quinoa before cooking removes all traces of its bitter saponin coating, nature’s way of making the high-protein seeds unattractive to birds and other seed eaters.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2014

In addition to being unpalatable, saponin is mildly toxic, causing low-level gastrointestinal distress in some people.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2014

It may be suggested as a line of research to study what are the conditions which control the synthesis and gradual formation of saponin in plants.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 623, December 10, 1887 by Various