Glycocin

/ˈɡlaɪkəsɪn/ noun

Definition

A plant-derived compound or glycoside that contains or releases sugar, with antimicrobial or medicinal properties.

Etymology

Glyco- (sugar) + -cin (suffix for various compounds, possibly from -cine meaning poison or active agent). Used in phytochemistry and natural product research.

Kelly Says

Glycocins are nature's chemical defense system—plants make them to kill bacteria and fungi, and some of these compounds work so well that modern medicine has adapted them into antibiotics.

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