psyllium

[ sil-ee-uhm ]

noun

1. fleawort.
2. Also called psyllium seed. the seeds of this plant, used as a laxative.

psyllium

/ ˈsɪlɪəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of psyllium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of psyllium¹

C16: Latin, from Greek psulla flea, due to the resemblance of the seeds to fleas