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

See Examples For:

saponin

The saponin compounds in the tea seed meal may also wash into waterways and harm even more species.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

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

The identification of the likely causative mutation underlying the sweet phenotype not only provides insights into triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis, but also enables accelerated breeding of sweet commercial varieties using marker-assisted selection.

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

The bitter taste of the nut is removed by alcohol extraction which removes the saponin, thus rendering the nut harmless.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Incorporated 39th Annual Report at Norris, Tenn. September 13-15 1948 by Northern Nut Growers Association