amygdalin
/əˈmɪɡdəlɪn/
noun
- A chemical compound found in bitter almonds and some fruit seeds, which can break down to produce cyanide.
- Amygdalin gives bitter almonds their distinctive taste and smell.
- Eating large amounts of apple seeds can release amygdalin and be harmful.
- Some people mistakenly believe amygdalin can treat cancer, but it is not approved as a medicine.