saccharin

noun

sac·​cha·​rin ˈsa-k(ə-)rən 

: a crystalline compound C₇H₅NO₃S that is unrelated to the carbohydrates, is several hundred times sweeter than sucrose, and is used as a calorie-free sweetener

Examples of saccharin in a Sentence

soft drinks flavored with saccharin

Recent Examples on the Web

However, further studies proved that saccharin is safe for human use. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Since saccharin is up to 700 times sweeter than sugar, a tiny amount of saccharin provides the same level of sweetness as a larger amount of sugar, but without the calories. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Added ingredients: Those who prefer to minimize their exposure to artificial ingredients may want to avoid sparkling waters with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 1 July 2024

Xylitol and erythritol are considered polyols, or sugar alcohols, and both occur in nature, unlike some artificial sweeteners—including aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin—that are synthetic. —Alice Park, TIME, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

saccharin

noun

sac·​cha·​rin ˈsak-(ə-)rən 

: a very sweet white substance that is used as a calorie-free sweetener

Etymology

derived from Latin saccharum "sugar," from Greek sakcharon "sugar"; of Sanskrit origin

Medical Definition

saccharin

noun

sac·​cha·​rin ˈsak-(ə-)rən 

: a crystalline cyclic imide C₇H₅NO₃S that is unrelated to the carbohydrates, is several hundred times sweeter than sucrose, and is used as a calorie-free sweetener

called also benzosulfimide, gluside