: the seed of a fleawort (especially Plantago psyllium) that has the property of swelling and becoming gelatinous when moist and is used as a mild laxative
called also psyllium seed
Examples of psyllium in a Sentence
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Soluble fiber—found in oats, barley, beans, lentils, chia seeds, flaxseed, apples, and psyllium—has the strongest LDL-lowering effect.
—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 23 Feb. 2026
That said, psyllium does contain a little bit of insoluble fiber too.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026
Combining inulin and psyllium provides broader support for gut health.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Mucilage is also the active ingredient in fiber supplements such as psyllium husk, and is found in some cosmetics.
—Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 14 Jan. 2026
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Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 23 Feb. 2026
That said, psyllium does contain a little bit of insoluble fiber too.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026
Combining inulin and psyllium provides broader support for gut health.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Mucilage is also the active ingredient in fiber supplements such as psyllium husk, and is found in some cosmetics.
—Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for psyllium
Cite this Entry
“Psyllium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psyllium. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
psyllium
noun
psyl·li·um
ˈsil-ē-əm 
1
: fleawort
2
: psyllium seed
also
: the husks of psyllium seed
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