acrylamide

American  

[uh-kril-uh-mahyd, -mid, ak-ruh-lam-ahyd, -id] / əˈkrɪl əˌmaɪd, -mɪd, ˌæk rəˈlæm aɪd, -ɪd /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, toxic crystalline compound, C 3 H 5 NO, soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone: used in the synthesis of polyacrylamide and other organic materials, as textile fibers, in the processing of ore, and in the treatment of sewage.

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acrylamide Scientific  

/ ə-krĭl′ə-mīd′ /

1. A chemical compound that is derived from acrylic acid and easily forms polymers. Acrylamide is used in synthetic fibers and sewage treatment and as a medium in electrophoresis, especially to separate macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Chemical formula: C ₃ H ₅ NO.

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Etymology

Origin of acrylamide

acryl(ic) + amide

Example Sentences

Researchers also found that compounds found in bamboo can inhibit the formation of furan and reduce the production of acrylamide.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

The Department of Health and Human Services's National Toxicology Program classifies acrylamide as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2023

Rothamsted Research this month applied for a permit to field test wheat edited to contain less asparagine, an amino acid that becomes the carcinogen acrylamide when baked.

From Science Magazine • May 26, 2021

By most scientific estimates, the amount of acrylamide in coffee is less hazardous than the many chemicals in cigarette smoke and automotive fumes.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2018

Most news coverage responsibly noted that the evidence about acrylamide is not nearly as definitive as the judge ruled when he found that coffee warrants a label saying it contains a “known” human carcinogen.

From Slate • May 17, 2018