saponin

noun sa·po·nin \ ˈsa-pə-nən , sə-ˈpō- \

Updated on: 2 Apr 2018

Definition of saponin

: any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (such as soapwort or 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

Recent Examples of saponin from the Web

Rinsing rids quinoa of the bitter saponin, which coats the seed.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Quinoa pairs with a trio of mushrooms and kale for Passover side dish," 25 Mar. 2018
This removes a natural pesticide found on the exterior of the kernels known as saponins.

— Good Housekeeping, "Here's Why Quinoa Is a Better Choice Than Rice," 6 Mar. 2018
One reason quinoa has only recently become popular outside the Andes is that the grains are covered by saponins, a bitter tasting substance.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Genome Mapping Could Lead to Cheaper and More Abundant Quinoa," 13 Feb. 2017
More recipes: Quinoa comes with a pest-repellent coating called saponin.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Tiny quinoa packs big protein punch," 22 July 2017
Doing so removes the outer layer called saponin, which can lend an unpleasantly bitter flavor.

— rick martinez, Bon Appetit, "Harissa-Roasted Broccoli, Tofu, and Quinoa Bowl," 19 Feb. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of saponin

French saponine, from Latin sapon-, sapo

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First Known Use: 1831

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

saponin

noun sa·po·nin \ ˈsap-ə-nən , sə-ˈpō- \

medical Definition of saponin

: 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