psyllium
[ sil-ee-uh m ]
/ ˈsɪl i əm /
noun
Also called psyllium seed.
the seeds of this plant, used as a laxative.
Origin of psyllium
1595–1605; < New Latin < Greek
psýllion, psyllíon, derivative of
psýlla flea
Words nearby psyllium
British Dictionary definitions for psyllium
psyllium
/ (ˈsɪlɪəm) /
noun
a grain, Plantago psafra, the husks of which are used medicinally as a laxative and to reduce blood cholesterol levels
Word Origin for psyllium
C16: Latin, from Greek
psulla flea, due to the resemblance of the seeds to fleas
Medical definitions for psyllium
psyllium
[ sĭl′ē-əm ]
n.
An annual Eurasian plant having opposite leaves and small flowers borne in dense spikes.
The seeds of this plant, widely used as a mild bulk laxative and sometimes added to foods as a dietary source of soluble fiber.