pectin

noun pec·tin \ ˈpek-tən \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of pectin

: 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

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Recent Examples of pectin from the Web

Apples contain a fiber known as pectin, which supports healthy digestion.

— Time, "Weekend Recipe: Wholesome Carrot, Apple and Oatmeal Muffins," 22 Mar. 2018
Mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar and pectin in a bowl.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Rose Petal Preserves," 14 Mar. 2018
Others use additives like pectin or even flour, igniting debate in the most fervent corners of the craft-beer world.

— orr shtuhl, New York Times, "Two Big Brewers Try to Cash In on an I.P.A. Craze," 18 Jan. 2018
Some experts recommend adding vinegar to the oil to slow the breakdown of pectin (the polysaccharide that helps a potato keep its structure intact).

— tarah knaresboro, Popular Mechanics, "How to Make French Fries Perfectly," 2 Feb. 2015
Some of that fiber is called pectin, a heart-healthy soluble fiber that can help lower levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Healthy Table: Apple Walnut Bread is quick and easy for the holidays and good for you too," 17 Dec. 2017
Combine all the ingredients, except for the pectin, in a stainless steel pot.

— bridgette a. lacy, charlotteobserver, "When the holidays arrive, so will his prize-winning preserves | Charlotte Observer," 12 Dec. 2017
Stir in the pectin and bring the jelly back to a rolling boil.

— bridgette a. lacy, charlotteobserver, "When the holidays arrive, so will his prize-winning preserves | Charlotte Observer," 12 Dec. 2017
Interestingly, that same LDL cholesterol-lowering pectin helps bacteria naturally found in the gut to produce compounds that protect colon cells from cancer.

— darlene zimmerman, Detroit Free Press, "Healthy Table: Apple Walnut Bread is quick and easy for the holidays and good for you too," 17 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pectin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pectin

French pectine, from pectique

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First Known Use: 1838

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PECTIN Defined for English Language Learners

pectin

noun

Definition of pectin for English Language Learners

: a substance in some fruits that makes fruit jellies thick when the fruit is cooked

Medical Dictionary

pectin

noun pec·tin \ ˈpek-tən \

medical Definition of pectin

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