xanthan

American  

[zan-thuhn] / ˈzæn θən /

noun

Nutrition.

1. a water-soluble natural gum produced by the fermentation of sugar with certain microorganisms and used as a binder, extender, or stabilizer in foods and other products.

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Etymology

Origin of xanthan

1960–65; probably Xanth(omonas campestris) bacterium which produces the gum + -an, variant of -ane

Example Sentences

Common ingredients used are corn or rice flour, xanthan gum, which acts as a binder and moisture holder, and tapioca starch, which is a good water absorbent and can aid with binding the dough.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2024

In this investigation, the research team employed the biopolymer xanthan gum in combination with an ionically conductive polymer to fashion a protective film for the battery electrode.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2023

I reached out to my network of friends and extended friends who were celiac to get tips on good gluten-free brands and filled my pantry with alternative flours and xanthan gum.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2023

They allowed the restorers to give her a facial of micro-gel packs of xanthan gum, a stabilizer often found in toothpaste and cosmetics that is derived from the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria.

From New York Times • May 30, 2021

Stuff like xanthan gum, which is made from bacteria; Carbopol, which is an acrylic polymer like house paint; and gelatin, which is made from cow cartilage.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman