gossypol

noun

gos·​sy·​pol ˈgä-sə-ˌpȯl How to pronounce gossypol (audio)
-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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gossypol.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, ultimately from Latin gossypion cotton

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gossypol was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near gossypol

Cite this Entry

“Gossypol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gossypol. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

gossypol

noun
gos·​sy·​pol ˈgäs-ə-ˌpȯl How to pronounce gossypol (audio) -ˌpōl How to pronounce gossypol (audio)
: a phenolic pigment C30H30O8 in cottonseed that is toxic to some animals

More from Merriam-Webster on gossypol

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY