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
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Origin and Etymology of saponin
French saponine, from Latin sapon-, sapo
Medical Dictionary
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
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saponin
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