The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.
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.'']
(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.
A sweetmeat made from the root of the plant.
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.