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saponin

Syllabification: (sap·o·nin)

Pronunciation: /ˈsapənən/

Definition of saponin

noun

Chemistry

a toxic compound that is present in soapwort and makes foam when shaken with water.
any of the class of steroid and terpenoid glycosides typified by this, examples of which are used in detergents and foam fire extinguishers.