carboxymethylcellulose

[kahr-bok-see-meth-uh l-sel-yuh-lohs]

noun

a white, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, used as a coating and sizing for paper and textiles, a stabilizer for various foods, and an appetite suppressor.

Origin of carboxymethylcellulose

First recorded in 1945–50; carb- + oxy-² + methyl + cellulose

Also called cellulose gum.