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

Stewed apples are a good source of pectin, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants, including quercetin, Johnson said. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the pectin in a small bowl until uniform. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025

Digestion Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can improve digestion. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 22 Sep. 2025

And that's because slightly under ripe fruit often contains a bit more pectin than very ripe fruit, and pectin helps things set and gel. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 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