saponin Hear it!

saponin definition

sapo·nin (sap′ə nin)

noun

any of a group of glycosides, found in soapbark, etc., which form a soapy foam when dissolved in water: used as detergents, etc.

Etymology: Fr saponine < L sapo (see saponify) + -in, -in

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.