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

About 70% of the fiber content in an apple is insoluble fiber, while the rest is a type of soluble fiber known as pectin. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

The seeds provide most of the insoluble fiber, while the flesh contains soluble pectin, a gel-forming fiber, Martorano says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 July 2026

This murky pour is decidedly brown and so heavily doctored with vitamin C and pectin that the flavor of pineapple is barely detectable. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and pectin is dissolved (liquid should become less cloudy), 3 to 5 minutes. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

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