: any of a group of proteins especially of plants that are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydrate-containing receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells)
Examples of lectin in a Sentence
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Another important theory behind the diet is how proteins called lectins interact with blood.
—
Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
While lectins aren't considered to have great nutritional value, phytic acid does have antioxidant properties.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025
American mistletoe contains two toxins: a lectin called toxalbumin, and a protein called pharatoxin viscumin.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
These substances include lectins (in certain uncooked plants or beans), heavy metals, or other substances found in nature or food.21
Hernia: These are holes or weak spots in the walls of the tissues surrounding the abdomen.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
The good news: cooking legumes inactivates most lectins, Harvard notes.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
Raw potatoes contain solanine and lectins, which can both contribute to the digestive issues.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024
Specifically, soaking legumes reduces oxalate and lectin content more than cooking does.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Cooking beans, Crumble Smith says, helps remove naturally occurring lectins and phytic acid, which can decrease the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium.
—USA TODAY, 30 July 2023
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Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
While lectins aren't considered to have great nutritional value, phytic acid does have antioxidant properties.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025
American mistletoe contains two toxins: a lectin called toxalbumin, and a protein called pharatoxin viscumin.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
These substances include lectins (in certain uncooked plants or beans), heavy metals, or other substances found in nature or food.21
Hernia: These are holes or weak spots in the walls of the tissues surrounding the abdomen.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
The good news: cooking legumes inactivates most lectins, Harvard notes.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
Raw potatoes contain solanine and lectins, which can both contribute to the digestive issues.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024
Specifically, soaking legumes reduces oxalate and lectin content more than cooking does.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Cooking beans, Crumble Smith says, helps remove naturally occurring lectins and phytic acid, which can decrease the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium.
—USA TODAY, 30 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Lectin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lectin. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lectin
noun
lec·tin
ˈlek-tən 
: any of a group of proteins especially of plants that are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydrate-containing receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells)
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