amygdalin
Definition
Noun: A bitter, cyanogenic glucoside extracted from the seeds of apricots, plums, and bitter almonds. It is a compound that can release hydrogen cyanide upon enzymatic hydrolysis.
Usage
"Amygdalin" is a scientific and technical term used primarily in chemistry, biochemistry, and toxicology. It refers to the specific chemical compound found in certain fruit seeds.
Examples
- The presence of amygdalin in apricot kernels is a significant safety concern.
- Amygdalin is sometimes incorrectly promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, despite a lack of scientific evidence and known risks of cyanide poisoning.
- Chemists study the structure and breakdown of amygdalin.
Advanced Usage
- "Amygdalin content": Refers to the concentration or amount of amygdalin present in a substance.
- The amygdalin content varies significantly between different varieties of almonds.
Variants and Related Words
- Laetrile (noun): A semi-synthetic derivative of amygdalin, also promoted as an alternative cancer treatment. It is not identical to naturally occurring amygdalin.
Synonyms
- Cyanogenic glycoside (noun): A broader class of compounds to which amygdalin belongs. Amygdalin is a specific type of cyanogenic glycoside.
Notes on Meaning
The term "amygdalin" refers strictly to the chemical compound itself. Discussions about its purported medical uses (e.g., "laetrile therapy") involve the compound but are not definitions of the word. The primary meaning remains the biochemical definition.
Noun
-
a bitter cyanogenic glucoside extracted from the seeds of apricots and plums and bitter almonds
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