Main Entry: lec·i·thin

Pronunciation: \ˈles-ə-thən\

Function: noun

: any of several waxy hygroscopic phospholipids in which phosphatidic acid has formed an ester with choline and which are widely distributed in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying, wetting, and antioxidant properties ; also : a mixture of or a substance rich in lecithins—called also phosphatidylcholine