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carrageenan
noun
car·ra·geen·an
ˌker-ə-ˈgē-nən
ˌka-rə-
variants
or carrageenin
: a colloid extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a stabilizing or thickening agent
Examples of carrageenan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In recent years, concerns have been raised over the use of the carrageenan as an ingredient in soy milk.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2024
The ice cream is high in milk fat at 16 percent, low in air and all natural, meaning free of corn syrup, carrageenan and other additives often found in ice cream.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2024
For example, some emulsifiers, such as lecithin, guar gum, and carrageenan, prevent large ice crystals from forming in ice cream.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2023
The ingredients may include sugar and sodium, as well as natural flavors, gums and carrageenan, a common food additive made from red seaweed.
—Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023
Some six weeks later, the seaweed is harvested and the women set it out to dry in the sun for two to three days, then sell it locally for processing into crisps or noodles or to export as carrageenan – a valuable additive in food and pharmaceuticals.
—Mariejo Ramos, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 July 2023
It is also known as carrageenan and Chondrus crispus.
—Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 5 July 2023
For instance, guar gum comes from guar beans and carrageenan is extracted from seaweed.
—Karen Asp, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2023
Carrageen farmers are generally after the extract carrageenan that is a thickening and stabilizing agent in a myriad of products besides nasal sprays, from toothpaste to baby formula.
—Chris Baraniuk, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Sep. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
carrageen + -an entry 3 or -in entry 1
First Known Use
circa 1889, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near carrageenan
Cite this Entry
“Carrageenan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrageenan. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
carrageenan
noun
car·ra·geen·an
variants
or carrageenin
: a substance obtained from various red algae (as Irish moss) that is used in foods especially to stabilize and thicken them
Medical Definition
carrageenan
noun
car·ra·geen·an
variants
also carrageenin
or carragheenan
: a typically gel-forming polysaccharide extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a suspending agent (as in foods) and as a clarifying agent (as for beverages) and in controlling crystal growth in frozen confections
More from Merriam-Webster on carrageenan
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carrageenan
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