saponin

noun

sa·​po·​nin ˈsa-pə-nən  sə-ˈpō- 

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

Spanish bluebells contain saponins, which smell and taste like soap, as well as poisonous cardiac glycosides. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Preclinical research also suggests that quinoa saponins may reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory molecules. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

The research proposes that flavonoids and saponins in legumes may have greater effects involving testosterone, while compounds in cruciferous vegetables could interact more strongly with estrogen and progesterone pathways. — Paul McClure 23, New Atlas, 23 Aug. 2026

Hostas, one of the most popular shade plants in gardens, contain compounds called saponins. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French saponine, from Latin sapon-, sapo

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saponin

• donnan

Medical Definition

saponin

noun

sa·​po·​nin ˈsap-ə-nən  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