sapogenin

noun

sa·​po·​ge·​nin ˌsa-pə-ˈje-nən How to pronounce sapogenin (audio)
sə-ˈpä-jə-nən
: a nonsugar portion of a saponin that is typically obtained by hydrolysis, has either a complex terpenoid or a steroidal structure, and in the latter case forms a practicable starting point in the synthesis of steroid hormones

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary saponin + -genin (compound formed from another compound)

First Known Use

circa 1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapogenin was circa 1862

Dictionary Entries Near sapogenin

Cite this Entry

“Sapogenin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapogenin. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

sapogenin

noun
sa·​po·​ge·​nin ˌsap-ə-ˈjen-ən How to pronounce sapogenin (audio) sə-ˈpäj-ə-nən How to pronounce sapogenin (audio)
: 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

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