allicin

noun

al·​li·​cin ˈa-lə-sən How to pronounce allicin (audio)
: a pungent compound C6H10OS2 formed enzymatically in crushed garlic cloves that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties

Examples of allicin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The allicin in garlic is the main factor that allows this to be on the list of 25 foods that increase libido. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Dec. 2022 Garlic, for instance, contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which spurs production of disease-fighting immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes in response to threats. Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2020 Most of the health benefits found in garlic come from the sulfur compound allicin which is released when garlic is cut, crushed or chewed. Amy Fischer Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, 18 July 2022 This is an heirloom garlic with high allicin, a compound that relieves inflammation. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2021 As far as taste goes, high-allicin Georgian Crystal also won EDN Farms' Battle of the Bulbs roasting contest. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2021 With high concentrations of allicin, Siberian is excellent for roasting. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2021 Krchma said allicin is just one of four components found in garlic that help fight several viruses. Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2021 The compound allicin is unstable and quickly turns into other sulphurous compounds such as diallyl disulphide (which is responsible for allergic reactions to garlic), allyl mercapatan, allyl methyl sulphide and allyl methyl disulphide. Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allicin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Allium (genus name of garlic, from Latin, garlic) + -cin (as in -mycin)

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allicin was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near allicin

Cite this Entry

“Allicin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allicin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

allicin

noun
al·​li·​cin ˈal-ə-sən How to pronounce allicin (audio)
: a pungent compound C6H10OS2 formed enzymatically from alliin in crushed garlic cloves that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties

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