lecithin
noun
- generic term for amphiphilic substances of plant and animal origin
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈlɛs.ə.θɪn/
noun
Etymology: From French lécithine, coined in 1847 by Theodore Gobley, from Ancient Greek λέκιθος (lékithos, “egg yolk”).
- The principal phospholipid in animals; it is particularly abundant in egg yolks, and is extracted commercially from soy. It is a major constituent of cell membranes, and is commonly used as a food additive (as an emulsifier).