lecithin

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lec·i·thin

 (lĕs′ə-thĭn)
n.
1. Any of various substances containing phosphatidylcholine and a variety of other phospholipids, extracted from soybeans, egg yolks, or other sources and used as emulsifiers in a wide range of commercial products, including foods, cosmetics, paints, and plastics.

[French lécithine : Greek lekithos, egg yolk + French -ine, -in.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

lecithin

(ˈlɛsɪθɪn)
n
(Biochemistry) biochem any of a group of phospholipids that are found in many plant and animal tissues, esp egg yolk: used in making candles, cosmetics, and inks, and as an emulsifier and stabilizer in foods (E322). Systematic name: phosphatidylcholine
[C19: from Greek lekithos egg yolk]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

lec•i•thin

(ˈlɛs ə θɪn)

n.
1. any of a group of phospholipids, containing choline and fatty acids, that are a component of cell membranes and are abundant in nerve tissue and egg yolk.
2. a commercial form of this substance.
[1860–65; < Greek lékith(os) egg yolk + -in1]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

lec·i·thin

(lĕs′ə-thĭn)
A fatty substance containing phosphorus that is present in most plant and animal tissues and is an important structural part of cell membranes. Lecithin is used commercially in foods, cosmetics, paints, and plastics for its ability to form emulsions.
The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.lecithin - a yellow phospholipid essential for the metabolism of fats; found in egg yolk and in many plant and animal cells; used commercially as an emulsifier
emulsifier - a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion
phospholipid - any of various compounds composed of fatty acids and phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base; an important constituent of membranes
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
Translations
letsitiin
lécithine

lec·i·thin

n. lecitina, elemento esencial en el metabolismo de las grasas presente en los tejidos de los animales, esp. el tejido nervioso.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

lecithin

n lecitina
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
Four samples were prepared by agglomerating the samples with the same four liquid lecithins at 2% levels.
BKO lecithin. Lecithins, natural emulsifiers employed by the food and pharmaceutical industries, are mainly composed of phospholipids, the minor components being steroid derivatives, glycolipids and pigments (Cherry and Kramer, 1989).
Using high throughput formulation techniques, a large number of compositions comprising oil, lecithins, and cellulose ethers were screened.
patent for a skin or hair treatment composition that contains a component selected from the group consisting of surfactants, oils, emulsifiers, pearlizing waxes, consistency factors, thickeners, superfatting agents, stabilizers, polymers, silicone compounds, fats, waxes, lecithins, phospholipids, biogenic agents, UV protection factors, antioxidants, deodorants, antiperspirants, anti-dandruff agents, film formers, swelling agents, insect repellents, self tanning agents, tyrosine inhibitors, hydrotropes, solubilizers, preservatives, perfume oils, dyes and combinations of two or more of these, and a neutral extract from a pericarp of a Litchi chinensis Sonn plant.
Topcithin[TM] SF is available in the high level grade "Premium" as offered by the Cargill Lecithin Toolbox, which is a grading system that helps food processors navigate through the complexities involved in the quality specifications of lecithins.
Cargill has introduced a new grading system for its standard and specialty lecithins. Food manufacturers around the world can now select from four main grades of lecithins that take into account a range of factors with particular focus on product quality, functionality and value.
GKM Lipids is focused on highly refined lipid products, including triglycerides, ethyl esters and lecithins (phospholipids), as well as synergistic formulations.
Louis, to produce and distribute specialty food ingredients, beginning with soy proteins and lecithins. Also included is a biotechnology agreement to jointly develop and commercialize soybeans with improved quality traits.
Soy lecithins have been used for many years in the food industry as effective emulsifiers and lubricants.
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