gossypol

noun

gos·​sy·​pol ˈgä-sə-ˌpȯl 

-ˌpōl

: a toxic phenolic pigment C₃₀H₃₀O₈ in cottonseed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

It was previously referred to in print as gossypol. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2018

But because of the gossypol, cottonseed itself hasn’t been a source of human food. —Rachel Sugar, Vox, 19 Oct. 2018

Coutinho’s research into gossypol, which spanned more than three decades, was dismissed far more often than it was embraced. —Kate Morgan, The Cut, 3 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, ultimately from Latin gossypion cotton

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gossypol

noun

gos·​sy·​pol ˈgäs-ə-ˌpȯl  -ˌpōl 

: a phenolic pigment C₃₀H₃₀O₈ in cottonseed that is toxic to some animals