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

Blackberries and strawberries have more pectin than blueberries and will set up slightly thicker once cooled. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2025

Apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber, in their skin. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 June 2025

Ingredients include apple pectin for moisture, with a blend of neroli, rose, and sage to uplift the senses. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

And, said Bruhn, be sure to use low sugar pectin (LSP), since there’s plenty of sugar in the recipe. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 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