saponin

sap·o·nin  (sp-nn, s-p-)

n.

Any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water, used in detergents, foaming agents, and emulsifiers.

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[From Latin sp, spn-, hair dye, of Germanic origin.]

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saponin  (sp-nn, s-p-)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

saponin - any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water; used in detergents and foaming agents and emulsifiers glucoside - a glycoside derived from glucose