psyllium

American

[sil-ee-uhm] / ˈsɪl i əm /

noun

fleawort.
Also called psyllium seed. the seeds of this plant, used as a laxative.

psyllium British

/ ˈsɪlɪəm /

noun

a grain, Plantago psafra , the husks of which are used medicinally as a laxative and to reduce blood cholesterol levels

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of psyllium

1595–1605; < New Latin < Greek psýllion, psyllíon, derivative of psýlla flea

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Psyllium is the fiber supplement with the strongest evidence to support its use in improving cholesterol levels.

From Salon • Oct. 3, 2023

Psyllium fiber supplements can also be taken daily if needed — just be sure to drink plenty of water with them, he said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

"Psyllium husk does not negatively impact crumb texture in the same way all other hydrocolloids do," said Lowe.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2022

Psyllium is also found in Metamucil, one of P&G's fiber laxatives.

From Time Magazine Archive

In France these Psyllium seeds, given in a dessertspoonful dose, are widely prescribed as a laxative in lieu of mineral aperient waters, or the morning Seidlitz.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023