xanthan gum

noun

xan·​than gum ˈzan-thən- How to pronounce xanthan gum (audio)
: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a gram-negative bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods

called also xanthan

Examples of xanthan gum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
When used in larger quantities, xanthan gum may help regulate blood sugar levels. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Sep. 2024 These side effects are usually only experienced when taking much larger doses of xanthan gum than commonly found in food and drink products.8 Some research suggests that long-term xanthan gum intake may negatively affect overall gut health. Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Sep. 2024 Notably, Häagen-Dazs doesn’t include any of the stabilizers or gums, like soy lecithin or xanthan gum, that other brands use as preservatives or thickeners. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 3 July 2024 Doing so builds better structure and, if your mixture contains xanthan gum, ensures the ultrafine powder is dispersed evenly. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for xanthan gum 

Word History

Etymology

xanth- (in New Latin Xanthomonas, bacterial genus name, from xantho- xantho- + -monas, combining form used in the generic names of microorganisms, borrowed from Greek monad-, monás "single item, unit") + -an entry 3 — more at monad

Note: The suffix in an earlier variant xantham, if not a misspelling, is unexplained.

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of xanthan gum was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near xanthan gum

Cite this Entry

“Xanthan gum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xanthan%20gum. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

xanthan gum

noun
xan·​than gum ˈzan-thən- How to pronounce xanthan gum (audio)
: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods

called also xanthan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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