gluten

American  

[gloot-n] / ˈglut n /

noun

1. the tough, viscid, nitrogenous substance remaining when the flour of wheat or other grain is washed to remove the starch.

2. Archaic. glue or a gluey substance.

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gluten British  

/ ˈɡluːtən /

noun

1. a protein consisting of a mixture of glutelin and gliadin, present in cereal grains, esp wheat. A gluten-free diet is necessary in cases of coeliac disease

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gluten Scientific  

/ glo̅o̅t′n /

1. The mixture of proteins, including gliadins and glutelins, found in wheat grains, which are not soluble in water and which give wheat dough its elastic texture.

2. Any of the prolamins found in cereal grains, especially the prolamins in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats, that cause digestive disorders such as celiac disease.

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Other Word Forms

• glutenous adjective

Etymology

Origin of gluten

First recorded in 1590–1600, gluten is from the Latin word glūten glue

Example Sentences

In contrast, diets rich in dairy proteins and wheat gluten almost completely prevented the bacteria from establishing itself in the gut.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

It actually worked—fasting allowed him to gradually introduce foods back into his diet, revealing a straightforward gluten intolerance, a condition that, indeed, can be linked to nasal issues.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

The only treatment is a strict, gluten free diet.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

I went on a wellness kick: I stopped eating gluten and dairy and forced down celery juice every morning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Mom sent Dad the doctor’s report, and I’ve told him a bazillion times that when I eat gluten, I feel sick.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• cereal
• grass