1. a toxic yellow pigment found in cotton seeds and other plants of the cotton family
Usage: chemistry; botany

Examples

• Gossypol is naturally present in cotton seeds as a defense mechanism against insects.
• The cottonseed oil must be processed to remove gossypol before it can be used for human consumption.
• Researchers have studied gossypol for its potential contraceptive properties.
• High levels of gossypol in animal feed can be toxic to livestock.
• The yellow color of raw cottonseed oil comes from gossypol content.
• Scientists are investigating gossypol as a possible anticancer compound.