inulin

American  

[in-yuh-lin] / ˈɪn jə lɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a polysaccharide, (C 6 H 10 O5 ) n , obtained from the roots of certain plants, especially elecampane, dahlia, and Jerusalem artichoke, that undergoes hydrolysis to the dextrorotatory form of fructose: used chiefly as an ingredient in diabetic bread, in processed foods to increase their fiber content, and as a reagent in diagnosing kidney function.

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inulin British  

/ ˈɪnjʊlɪn /

noun

1. a fructose polysaccharide present in the tubers and rhizomes of some plants. Formula: (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n

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Etymology

Origin of inulin

1805–15; < New Latin Inul ( a ) a genus of plants ( Latin: elecampane) + -in ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inulin

"Think of it like a continuous glucose monitor, but for intestinal gas," Hall said, explaining that the device detected increased hydrogen production after participants consumed inulin, a prebiotic fiber.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 14, 2026

The lawsuit takes issue with the final ingredient, claiming that much of Poppi’s success can be attributed to “agave inulin, the Products’ so-called ‘Prebiotic.’

From Salon ● Jun. 4, 2024

Cobbs cited research showing that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks was insufficient to confer any meaningful prebiotic benefit.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 3, 2024

The 59 volunteers consumed 30 grams of inulin, a prebiotic from chicory root, daily for 14 days.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2023

The roots contain starch; and the ashes of the plant burnt when green yield carbonate of potash abundantly, with nitre, and inulin.

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