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 [ˈsæpənɪn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) any of a group of plant glycosides with a steroid structure that foam when shaken and are used in detergents

[from French saponine, from Latin sāpō soap]

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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