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

Explanation

Gluten is a protein that's found in some grains, such as wheat. It's the gluten in wheat that makes bread dough strong and stretchy. If you've ever kneaded dough for cinnamon rolls, or stretched pizza dough into a large circle, you know how elastic the combination of yeast, sugar, flour, and water comes to feel. People who are allergic or sensitive to gluten avoid eating grains that contain it, but those who aren't bothered by gluten enjoy the chewy texture of homemade wheat bread. In Latin, gluten means "glue."

Example Sentences

This recipe is gluten free, so it’s a great option to bring to parties for guests with dietary restrictions.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

It is seeing fast growth of 17% in what it calls its “balanced portfolio” of low carb, low calorie, sugar free, gluten free and no-alcohol beer brands.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

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

“Let’s take a look, shall we? Poultry by-product meal, soy protein isolate, corn gluten meal, soy flour...”

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• cereal
• grass