gossypol

[ gos-uh-pawl, -pol ]

noun

1. a toxic pigment, C 30 H 30 O 8 , derived from cottonseed oil, made nontoxic by heating, presently under study as a potential male contraceptive and antimicrobial.

gossypol

/ ˈɡɒsɪˌpɒl /

noun

1. a toxic crystalline pigment that is a constituent of cottonseed oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of gossypol¹

1895–1900; < New Latin Gossyp(ium) ( gossypose ) + -ol ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gossypol¹

C19: from Modern Latin gossypium cotton plant + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

Ordinary cottonseed is unfit for humans and many animals to eat because it contains high levels of gossypol, a toxic chemical.

From Reuters

Rathore’s team used so-called RNAi, or RNA interference, technology to “silence” a gene, virtually eliminating gossypol from the cottonseed.

From Reuters

Gossypol was left at natural levels in the rest of the plant because it guards against insects and disease.

From Reuters

Ordinary cottonseed is unfit for humans and many animals to eat because it contains high levels of gossypol, a toxic chemical.

From Reuters

With financial help from a cotton industry group, scientists led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore used so-called RNAi, or RNA interference, technology to “silence” a gene, virtually eliminating gossypol from the cottonseed.

From Reuters