Definition

A type of thickening agent made from a sugar produced by a specific bacterium, often used in food and other products to improve texture.

Example

Xanthan is commonly used in salad dressings to help keep the ingredients mixed together.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of xanthan?

Yeah, I think it's used in a lot of food products, right?

Exactly! It's a thickening agent that helps with texture.

I should check my pantry to see if I have anything with xanthan in it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Xanthan is derived from 'xantho-' (from Greek 'xanthos', meaning yellow) and '-an' (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a substance). The term refers to a yellow polysaccharide produced by the fermentation of sugars, commonly used as a thickening agent in food products.

Memory Tip

Think of 'xanthos' meaning yellow, which helps you remember that xanthan is a substance often used to thicken foods, giving them a rich texture.

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