xanthan

American

[zan-thuhn] / ˈzæn θən /

noun

Nutrition.

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.

Etymology

Origin of xanthan

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

xanthan

It has the same ingredients — from beef to xanthan gum — but of course the inputs, such as property rates and labor costs, vary widely from country to country.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026

Natural emulsifiers, such as xanthan gum and cetyl alcohol, are sometimes used to prevent organic shampoo from separating and enhance its soapy lather.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 11, 2024

The bakery is not only free from gluten and the other seven most common allergens, but also free from rice, corn, potatoes and xanthan gum.

From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2023

Put the charred jalapeños, cream cheese, pepper Jack cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and xanthan gum in a medium saucepan.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2023

I’m betting it got its creaminess from xanthan gum or some other additive.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023