saponin
noun
sa·po·nin
ˈsa-pə-nən 
sə-ˈpō-
: 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
Examples of saponin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tribulus Terrestris Compounds found in Tribulus Terrestris, known as steroidal saponins, have been found to weakly mimic the effects of testosterone.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023
Unfortunately, this cute little plant contains saponins, which are toxic to pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023
The rich moisturizer is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides, which help boost the circulation of your skin's smallest blood vessels to promote collagen synthesis, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, which then improves overall elasticity.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 7 Aug. 2023
Another active ingredient in fenugreek is diosgenin, a type of steroid saponin that is converted into testosterone in the body.
—Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023
However, cyclamen contains toxic terpenoid saponins, especially in the root of the plant.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 22 Apr. 2023
Rinsing rids quinoa of the bitter saponin, which coats the seed.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2018
This removes a natural pesticide found on the exterior of the kernels known as saponins.
—Good Housekeeping, 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, 13 Feb. 2017
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023
Unfortunately, this cute little plant contains saponins, which are toxic to pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023
The rich moisturizer is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides, which help boost the circulation of your skin's smallest blood vessels to promote collagen synthesis, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, which then improves overall elasticity.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 7 Aug. 2023
Another active ingredient in fenugreek is diosgenin, a type of steroid saponin that is converted into testosterone in the body.
—Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023
However, cyclamen contains toxic terpenoid saponins, especially in the root of the plant.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 22 Apr. 2023
Rinsing rids quinoa of the bitter saponin, which coats the seed.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2018
This removes a natural pesticide found on the exterior of the kernels known as saponins.
—Good Housekeeping, 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, 13 Feb. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'saponin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Saponin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saponin. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
saponin
noun
sa·po·nin
ˈsap-ə-nən
sə-ˈpō-
sə-ˈpō-
: 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
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