alginic acid

[ al-jin-ik ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an insoluble, colloidal acid, (C 6 H 8 O 6 ) n , found in the cell walls of various kelps, especially brown kelps, known chiefly in the form of its salts, and used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in foodstuffs, especially ice cream, and for sizing paper.

alginic acid

/ ælˈdʒɪnɪk /

noun

1. a white or yellowish powdery polysaccharide having marked hydrophilic properties. Extracted from kelp, it is used mainly in the food and textile industries and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Formula: (C 6 H 8 O 6 ) n ; molecular wt: 32 000–250 000

Word History and Origins

Origin of alginic acid¹

First recorded in 1885–90; algin + -ic

Example Sentences

Alginate, also known as alginic acid, is widely utilized in various industries, including food and medicine, for its ability to create viscous products.

From Science Daily

The Laminaria is first extracted with water, and the residue with sodium carbonate; the filtrate is acidified with hydrochloric acid and the precipitated alginic acid washed and bleached.

From Project Gutenberg