psyllium

Etymology

From Latin psyllium, from Ancient Greek ψύλλιον (psúllion, “fleawort”), from ψύλλα (psúlla, “flea”) + -ιον (-ion, forming neuter diminutives).

noun

  1. Any of several plants of Plantago subg. Psyllium.
  2. The seed husk of such plants, especially as a commercial dietary supplement used for mucilage and as a mild laxative.