allicin
noun
al·li·cin ˈa-lə-sən 
: a pungent compound C6H10OS2 formed enzymatically in crushed garlic cloves that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The pungent aroma comes from sulfur compounds, including allicin. Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, 19 June 2018 Scientists believe that allicin may block enzymes involved in infections; some studies suggest that swallowing garlic may ward off colds. Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, 19 June 2018 See More
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 The pungent aroma comes from sulfur compounds, including allicin. Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, 19 June 2018 Scientists believe that allicin may block enzymes involved in infections; some studies suggest that swallowing garlic may ward off colds. Alexandra Sifferlin, Time, 19 June 2018 See More 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
Medical Definition
allicin
noun
al·li·cin ˈal-ə-sən
: a pungent compound C6H10OS2 formed enzymatically from alliin in crushed garlic cloves that imparts the distinctive smell to garlic and possesses antimicrobial properties