Definition

A type of fat found in egg yolks and many plants and animals, used to help mix ingredients that usually don't combine well, like oil and water. It is often added to foods, cosmetics, and other products to improve texture and stability.

Example

Lecithin is commonly used in chocolate to keep the ingredients smooth and well mixed.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of lecithin?

Yeah, I think it's something used in food products, right?

Exactly! It's an emulsifier that helps mix ingredients together.

That's cool! I didn't realize it had so many uses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lecithin comes from the Greek word "lekithos" (meaning egg yolk) and the suffix "-in" (used in chemistry to denote substances). The word refers to a substance originally derived from egg yolk, which is now known to be a phospholipid found in various biological membranes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lekithos' which means egg yolk, and remember that lecithin is a substance derived from egg yolk, often used in food and supplements.

Visually Confused Words