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Definition of "saponin" [sap•o•nin]

  • Any of various plant glucosides that form soapy lathers when mixed and agitated with water, used in detergents, foaming agents, and emulsifiers. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "saponin" in a sentence
  • "Licorice contains a host of ingredients including one called saponin which contains the chemical glycyrrhizin."
  • "Theres a chemical called saponin in them which causes hemolysis thats bad."
  • "This is an important step since quinoa contains a phytochemical called saponin, which has a bitter taste if not well rinsed."