pectin

noun pec·tin \ ˈpek-tən \

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

The National Center for Home Food Preservation offers step-by-step instructions on canning, freezing, pickling, dehydrating, jerking, smoking, fermenting, and making jams and jellies with or without pectin.

— donna freedman, Alaska Dispatch News, "Local produce is at its peak – now’s the time to hit farmers markets for something fresh," 15 Aug. 2017
Measure out 1-1/2 cups of the puree and transfer to a medium saucepan along with sugar and pectin.

— Cincinnati.com, "In-season strawberries make great pie," 1 June 2017
Seal and shake vigorously for 1 minute to break up the pectin and other solids in the preserves.

— m. carrie allan, sacbee.com, "Starting pitcher, relief pitchers: It's a rotation of summer punch," 29 May 2017
Seal and shake vigorously for 1 minute to break up the pectin and other solids in the preserves.

— m. carrie allan, sacbee, "Starting pitcher, relief pitchers: It's a rotation of summer punch," 29 May 2017
Seal and shake vigorously for 1 minute to break up the pectin and other solids in the preserves.

— special to the washington post, The Denver Post, "Starting pitcher, relief pitchers: It’s a rotation of summer punch," 18 May 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