How Do You Spell TOMATINE?

Pronunciation: [tˈɒmɐtˌiːn] (IPA)

Tomatine is a chemical compound found in the leaves and unripe fruit of tomato plants that can be toxic to humans and some animals. The correct spelling, Tomatine, is pronounced as /toʊmətiːn/. This can be broken down into the following IPA symbols: /t/ for the initial voiceless alveolar plosive, /o/ for the mid-back rounded vowel, /m/ for the bilabial nasal consonant, /ə/ for the schwa sound, /t/ for the alveolar plosive, /i/ for the high front unrounded vowel, and /n/ for the alveolar nasal consonant.

TOMATINE Meaning and Definition

1. Tomatine is a naturally occurring toxic compound found in the stems, leaves, and green unripe fruits of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, specifically in the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum). It belongs to a class of compounds called glycoalkaloids, which are nitrogenous organic compounds commonly found in many plants of this family. Tomatine is most abundant in the green parts of the plant and acts as a natural defense mechanism against pests and diseases.

   Chemically, tomatine is a steroidal glycoalkaloid consisting of a sterol backbone linked to a sugar molecule called tomatidine. It has been found to possess various biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal properties. However, tomatine is also known to be toxic to humans and certain animals, particularly when consumed in large amounts or when ingested by those with sensitivity to glycoalkaloids.

   In humans, the consumption of tomatine-containing plants or products has been associated with various symptoms including gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, and potential disruption of the cell membrane. However, it is important to note that tomatine is mostly concentrated in the green parts of the tomato and is significantly reduced as the fruit ripens, thus making ripe tomatoes generally safe for consumption.

   Overall, tomatine is a natural compound found in tomatoes and other plants of the Solanaceae family, with various biological activities and potential toxic effects if consumed in excessive amounts or by sensitive individuals.

Common Misspellings for TOMATINE

• Tomati.e
• Tomatinu

Etymology of TOMATINE

The word "tomatine" is derived from the main ingredient it is associated with, the tomato. The word "tomato" itself has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Spanish word "tomate", which was borrowed from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word "tomatl". This eventually made its way into other languages, leading to the English term "tomato".

As for the suffix "-ine", it is commonly used in chemistry to denote alkaloids. Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants. The usage of "-ine" suggests that tomatine is an alkaloid found in tomatoes.