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

We demonstrate the utility of the genome sequence by identifying a gene that probably regulates the presence of seed triterpenoid saponin content.

From Nature • Feb. 7, 2017

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

From Nature • Feb. 7, 2017

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2014

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

If we put unfertilised eggs of a sea-urchin into sea-water which contains a trace of saponin we notice that, after a few minutes, all the eggs form the typical membrane of fertilisation.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)