Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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. It
   is intermediate in nature between starch and sugar. Called
   also {dahlin}, {helenin}, {alantin}, etc.

Source : WordNet®

inulin
     n : used to manufacture fructose and in assessing kidney
         function