agar

noun

ˈä-gər 

1

: a gelatinous colloidal extract of a red alga (as of the genera Gelidium, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma) used especially in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods

2

: a culture medium containing agar

Examples of agar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research, though, is limited as to the effects of agar in general, but especially, as an appetite suppressant and people should consult with a medical provider before use, especially as side effects and interactions are also limited. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024

The full pattern of agar failure that emerged is confusing, though. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 25 Sep. 2024

What to watch in the market this week Surprising discoveries Scientists depend on agar — a gelatin-like substance that comes from seaweed — to grow yeast. —Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 5 Aug. 2024

And yet here was agar, foiling day after day of experiments. —Bymolly Herring, science.org, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

short for Malay agar-agar, name for the red alga from which it is extracted

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing agar

• agar-agar
• agar plate

Kids Definition

agar

noun

ˈäg-ər 

variants also agar-agar

ˈäg-ə-ˈräg-ər

1

: a jellylike substance obtained from a red alga and used especially in culture media or to give firmness to foods

2

: a culture medium containing agar

Medical Definition

agar

noun

ˈäg-ər 

1

: a gelatinous colloidal extract of a red alga (as of the genera Gelidium, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma) used especially in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods

2

: a culture medium containing agar