monosodium glutamate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 5 H 8 NNaO 4 ⋅H 2 O, used to intensify the flavor of foods.

monosodium glutamate

/ ˌmɒnəʊˈsəʊdɪəm /

noun

1. a white crystalline substance, the sodium salt of glutamic acid, that has little flavour itself but enhances the flavour of proteins either by increasing the amount of saliva produced in the mouth or by stimulating the taste buds: used as a food additive, esp in Chinese foods. Formula: NaC 5 H 8 O 4 Also calledsodium glutamate MSG

monosodium glutamate

/ mŏn′ə-sō′dē-əmglo̅o̅′tə-māt′ /

1. A white, crystalline salt used to flavor food, especially in China and Japan. It occurs naturally in tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and seaweed. Chemical formula: C 5 H 8 NNaO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of monosodium glutamate¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples that can be found around us include various amino acids, including monosodium glutamate, food proteins, enzymes, flavoring compounds, food colorings, and bioactive substances.

From Science Daily

With his newfound knowledge, Ikeda went on to found the company Ajinomoto and started mass producing the food additive monosodium glutamate or MSG.

From Salon

It is one of the world’s largest producers of monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer.

From Washington Times

Besides soy and oyster sauce, Foshan Haitian develops, makes, and distributes other products including vinegar, chicken stock, monosodium glutamate, and oil.

From BBC

Aaron Hutcherson made an excellent case that monosodium glutamate does not deserve its “bad rap” in his Sept. 15 Food essay, “Want bold flavor? Give MSG a chance.”

From Washington Post