capsaicin

cap·sa·i·cin

noun \kap-ˈsā-ə-sən\

Definition of CAPSAICIN

: a colorless irritant phenolic amide C₁₈H₂₇NO₃ found in various capsicums that gives hot peppers their hotness and that is used in topical creams for its analgesic properties

Origin of CAPSAICIN

irregular from New Latin Capsicum

First Known Use: circa 1890

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, keratin, metabolism