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

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

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

These include everything from cornstarch and arrowroot to xanthan gum and good ol' gelatin.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2023

“It’s not just the salt and sugar, which are the obvious ones, but the artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, guar gum and xanthan gum,” he said.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2022

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

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan