psyllium

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪlɪəm/

noun

  • a leafy-stemmed Eurasian plantain, the seeds of which are used as a laxative and as a bulking agent in the treatment of obesity.
    • Plantago psafra, family Plantaginaceae

Origin:

mid 16th century: via Latin from Greek psullion, from psulla 'flea' (because the seeds resemble fleas)