glycoalkaloid

noun

gly·​co·​al·​ka·​loid ˌglī-kō-ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce glycoalkaloid (audio)
: a bitter compound (such as solanine) occurring in various plants and consisting of a glycoside of an alkaloid

Examples of glycoalkaloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Moreover, Nora Olsen, potato specialist for the University of Idaho, told Jackson that potatoes here are already bred for low glycoalkaloid content. Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2022 Natural or artificial light prompts the creation of defensive toxins called glycoalkaloids that can cause digestive distress, headaches and neurological issues if consumed in significant volumes. Washington Post, 25 July 2019 Potato sprouts also pack higher levels of glycoalkaloids. Washington Post, 25 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'glycoalkaloid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycoalkaloid was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near glycoalkaloid

Cite this Entry

“Glycoalkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycoalkaloid. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

glycoalkaloid

noun
gly·​co·​al·​ka·​loid ˌglī-kō-ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce glycoalkaloid (audio)
: a bitter compound (as solanine) occurring in various plants and consisting of a glycoside of an alkaloid
Glycoalkaloids, thought to be primarily defensive compounds, act as toxins by binding to and disrupting the cell membranes of the animals that eat them.Carol Kaesuk Yoon, The New York Times
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