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

Nutrition Facts Apples offer soluble fiber, primarily pectin found in the flesh, and insoluble fiber, like cellulose and hemicellulose, found mainly in the skin. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

But with the rise of commercial pectin in the early 20th century, its utility faded. —Benjamin Kemper, Saveur, 26 Nov. 2025

Carrots are low in calories and protect against cataracts and heart disease and pectin in apples supports the digestive system. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 26 Nov. 2025

Some examples of soluble fiber include pectin (found in fruits), beta-glucan (found in whole oats) and psyllium husk, which is a plant most often consumed as a supplement. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 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