1.
[syn: elecampane, Inula helenium]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Inulin \In"u*lin\, n. [From NL. Inula Helenium, the
elecampane: cf. F. inuline.] (Chem.)
A substance of very wide occurrence. It is found dissolved in
the sap of the roots and rhizomes of many composite and other
plants, as Inula, Helianthus, Campanula, etc., and is
extracted by solution as a tasteless, white, semicrystalline
substance, resembling starch, with which it is isomeric,
having fructose units in place of most of the glucose units.
It is intermediate in nature between starch and sugar, and
replaces starch as the reserve food in Compositae. Called
also dahlin, helenin, alantin, alant starch, etc.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Elecampane \El`e*cam*pane"\, n. [F. ['e]nulecampane, NL. inula
campana; L. inula elecampane + LL. campana a bell; cf. G.
glockenwurz, i. e., "bellwort."]
1. (Bot.) A large, coarse herb (Inula Helenium), with
composite yellow flowers. The root, which has a pungent
taste, is used as a tonic, and was formerly of much repute
as a stomachic.
[1913 Webster]
2. A sweetmeat made from the root of the plant.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Helenin \Hel"e*nin\, n. (Chem.)
A neutral organic substance found in the root of the
elecampane (Inula helenium), and extracted as a white
crystalline or oily material, with a slightly bitter taste.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
Inula helenium
n 1: tall coarse Eurasian herb having daisylike yellow flowers
with narrow petals whose rhizomatous roots are used
medicinally [syn: elecampane, Inula helenium]