Main Entry: sa·po·nin

Pronunciation: \ˈsap-ə-nən, sə-ˈpō-\

Function: noun

: any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather ; especially : a hygroscopic amorphous saponin mixture used especially as a foaming and emulsifying agent and detergent