Pectin is a substance that is found in fruit. It is used when making jam to help it become firm.
pectin in British English
(ˈpɛktɪn)
noun
biochemistry
any of the acidic hemicelluloses that occur in ripe fruit and vegetables: used in the manufacture of jams because of their ability to solidify to a gel when heated in a sugar solution (may be referred to on food labels as E440(a))
Derived forms
pectic (ˈpectic) or pectinaceous (ˌpectiˈnaceous) or pectinous (ˈpectinous)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from Greek pēktos congealed, from pēgnuein to set
pectin in American English
(ˈpɛktɪn)
noun
a water-soluble carbohydrate, obtained from certain ripe fruits, which yields a gel that is the basis of jellies and jams