psyllium

noun

psyl·​li·​um ˈsi-lē-əm How to pronounce psyllium (audio)
: 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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our bodies didn’t develop to digest psyllium husk and inulin. Catherine Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for psyllium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin psyllium, from Greek psyllion fleawort, from psylla

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psyllium was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Psyllium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psyllium. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

psyllium

noun
psyl·​li·​um ˈsil-ē-əm How to pronounce psyllium (audio)
1
2
: psyllium seed
also : the husks of psyllium seed
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