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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
The bad agar derailed their experiments for two months.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 25 Sep. 2024
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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near agar
Cite this Entry
“Agar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agar. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
agar
noun
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
noun1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on agar
Nglish: Translation of agar for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agar
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