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Glossary

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Laxative:

promotes evacuation of the bowels.

Legume:

a fruit consisting of one carpel, opening on one side, such as a pea.

Leucocytosis:

an increase in the number of white blood cells above the normal limit.

Lipolytic:

causing lipolysis, the chemical disintegration or splitting of fats.

Lanolin:

a fat-like substance produced by the oil glands in sheep, and obtained from the sheep's wool. It is used as an emulsifier and an emollient in creams, lotions, and soaps.

Lard:

oil obtained by rendering and refining the fat of hogs. High grades of lard are edible; lesser grades are inedible. Both grades are used in the soap making process.

Lauric acid:

fatty acid offering the soap making process saturation and low molecular weight, to give a soluble soap with an easy, quick lather.

Lecithin:

a mixture of fatty acids, or phospholipids, found in all living cells, whose purpose is to soften cells and protect from oxidation.