inulin

[ in-yuh-lin ]
/ ˈɪn yə lɪn /

noun Chemistry.

a polysaccharide, (C6H10O5)n, obtained from the roots of certain plants, especially elecampane, dahlia, and Jerusalem artichoke, that undergoes hydrolysis to the dextrorotatory form of fructose: used chiefly as an ingredient in diabetic bread, in processed foods to increase their fiber content, and as a reagent in diagnosing kidney function.
Also called alant starch.

Origin of inulin

1805–15; < New Latin Inul(a) a genus of plants (Latin: elecampane) + -in2

Words nearby inulin

inuit, inuk, inukshuk, inuktitut, inulase, inulin, inulin clearance, inunction, inundant, inundate, inupiaq

Example sentences from the Web for inulin

British Dictionary definitions for inulin

inulin
/ (ˈɪnjʊlɪn) /

noun

a fructose polysaccharide present in the tubers and rhizomes of some plants. Formula: (C 6 H 10 O 5) n

Word Origin for inulin

C19: from Latin inula elecampane + -in

Medical definitions for inulin

inulin
[ ĭn′yə-lĭn ]

n.

A fructose polysaccharide derived from the rhizomes of Inula helenium or I. elecampane, and other plants.