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
[ sĭlē-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.