lecithin
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Coined in 1847 by Theodore Gobley, from Ancient Greek λέκιθος (lékithos, “egg yolk”)
[edit] Noun
lecithin (plural lecithins)
- (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).
[edit] Synonyms
- phosphatidylcholine
- E322 when used as an emulsifier
