pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

: any of various water-soluble substances that bind adjacent cell walls in plant tissues and yield a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

also : a commercial product rich in pectins

Examples of pectin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson said pectin also lowers cholesterol by binding it to the digestive tract. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

Ay Papi’s final product contains seven ingredients: water, pectin, tapioca syrup, sodium, citric acid and the Whitethorn Rose concentrate. —Irene Adeline Milanez, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025

Cooking apples can break down their fiber and release pectin, a compound that may support digestion. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

The latter two are collected into patties that, after being dried in the relentless sun, make natural pectin for saguaro jam. —Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French pectine, from pectique

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pectin

• lectin
• pecten
• amylopectin
• fibronectin
• ivermectin
• selectin

Kids Definition

pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

: any of various substances in plant tissues that dissolve in water and produce a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

also : a commercial product rich in pectins

Medical Definition

pectin

noun

pec·​tin ˈpek-tən 

1

: any of various water-soluble substances that bind adjacent cell walls in plant tissues and yield a gel which is the basis of fruit jellies

2

: a commercial product rich in pectins and used chiefly in making jelly and other foods, in pharmaceutical products especially for the control of diarrhea, and in cosmetics