lectin

noun

lec·​tin ˈlek-tən How to pronounce lectin (audio)
: any of a group of proteins especially of plants that are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydrate-containing receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells)

Examples of lectin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These substances include lectins (in certain uncooked plants or beans), heavy metals, or other substances found in nature or food.21 Hernia: These are holes or weak spots in the walls of the tissues surrounding the abdomen. Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 The good news: cooking legumes inactivates most lectins, Harvard notes. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Raw potatoes contain solanine and lectins, which can both contribute to the digestive issues. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024 Specifically, soaking legumes reduces oxalate and lectin content more than cooking does. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 While lectins aren't considered to have great nutritional value, phytic acid does have antioxidant properties. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 Cooking beans, Crumble Smith says, helps remove naturally occurring lectins and phytic acid, which can decrease the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium. USA TODAY, 30 July 2023 Be forewarned: The berries can’t be eaten raw, as the plant has lectin and cyanide in it, which can cause intense stomach and lower intestine issues. Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 Red kidney beans have a high lectin content, and eating a raw handful can lead to a painful reaction. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin lectus (past participle of legere to pick, select) + -in entry 1 — more at legend

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lectin was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near lectin

Cite this Entry

“Lectin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lectin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lectin

noun
lec·​tin ˈlek-tən How to pronounce lectin (audio)
: any of a group of proteins especially of plants that are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydrate-containing receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells)

More from Merriam-Webster on lectin

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