piperine

noun

pip·er·ine | \ ˈpi-pə-ˌrēn

Definition of piperine

: a white crystalline alkaloid C₁₇H₁₉NO₃ that is the chief active constituent of pepper

Examples of piperine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In van Leeuwenhoek’s peppercorn, the heat of compounds called piperines discourages insects from eating the plant. — Rob Dunn, National Geographic, "Microscopic images reveal how herbs get their flavor," 1 Aug. 2019 Researchers are exploring the power of piperine, a key ingredient in black pepper, as an anticancer agent (Current Medicinal Chemistry, online, May 23, 2017). — Teresa Graedon, The Seattle Times, "Black pepper is rich in benefits," 25 Feb. 2018

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