capsaicin

[ kap-sey-uh-sin ]

noun

1. a colorless, crystalline, bitter compound, C 18 H 27 NO 3 , present in capsicum.

capsaicin

/ kæpˈseɪɪsɪn /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C 18 H 27 O 3 N

capsaicin

/ kăp-sā′ĭ-sĭn /

1. A colorless, extremely pungent, crystalline compound that is the primary active principle producing the heat of red peppers. It is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes and is used in medicine as a topical analgesic. Capsaicin is highly stable, retaining its potency for long periods and despite cooking or freezing. Chemical formula: C 18 H 27 NO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsaicin¹

1885–90; earlier capsicine, equivalent to capsic(um) + -ine ²; refashioned with capsa- (< Latin: box) for caps- and -in ² for -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsaicin¹

C19 capsicine, from capsicum + -ine ²; modern form refashioned from Latin capsa box, case + -in

Example Sentences

He declined to discuss how much of a threat bear spray could pose to humans, other than noting that someone hit with bear spray would receive a higher dose of capsaicin than someone who was pepper sprayed.

From Washington Post

Bear deterrents dispense in a fog pattern — versus the stream output of many pepper sprays — making it more likely that the capsaicin will get into an aggressive animal’s eyes, nose and throat.

From Washington Post

According to Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, bear spray is a type of pepper spray, with an active ingredient — capsaicin — that’s derived from chile peppers.

From Washington Post

When used properly on an aggressive bear, capsaicin deterrents are extremely effective.

From Washington Post

When a drop of a chili pepper and ethanol solution is added to the sensor, the capsaicin from the pepper triggers the movement of electrons among the graphene atoms.

From Science News

And contrary to the belief that eating spicy foods can cause stomach ulcers, capsaicin is reported to hold digestive benefits.

From The Daily Beast

The chief constituents are a crystallizable resin, capsaicin, a volatile alkaloid, capsicine and a volatile oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Its discoverer states that capsaicin occurs only in the pericarp of the fruit.

From Project Gutenberg