lecithin

English

Etymology

From French lécithine, coined in 1847 by Theodore Gobley, from Ancient Greek λέκιθος (lékithos, “egg yolk”).

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈlɛs.ə.θɪn/
  • Rhymes: -ɪn

Noun

lecithin (plural lecithins)

  1. (organic chemistry) The principal phospholipid in animals; it is particularly abundant in egg yolks, and is extracted commercially from soy. It is a major constituent of cell membranes, and is commonly used as a food additive (as an emulsifier).

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