Main Entry:

lec·i·thin

Pronunciation:

\ˈle-sə-thən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek lekithos yolk of an egg

Date:

1861

: any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids that are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties ; also : a mixture of or substance rich in lecithins