Main Entry: sa·po·ge·nin

Pronunciation: \ˌsap-ə-ˈjen-ən, sə-ˈpäj-ə-nən\

Function: noun

: a nonsugar portion of a saponin that is typically obtained by hydrolysis, has either a complex terpenoid or a steroid structure and in the latter case forms a practicable starting point in the synthesis of steroid hormones