acrylamide

American  

[uh-kril-uh-mahyd, -mid, ak-ruh-lam-ahyd, -id] / əˈkrɪl əˌmaɪd, -mɪd, ˌæk rəˈlæm aɪd, -ɪd /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, toxic crystalline compound, C 3 H 5 NO, soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone: used in the synthesis of polyacrylamide and other organic materials, as textile fibers, in the processing of ore, and in the treatment of sewage.

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acrylamide Scientific  

/ ə-krĭl′ə-mīd′ /

1. A chemical compound that is derived from acrylic acid and easily forms polymers. Acrylamide is used in synthetic fibers and sewage treatment and as a medium in electrophoresis, especially to separate macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Chemical formula: C ₃ H ₅ NO.

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Etymology

Origin of acrylamide

acryl(ic) + amide

Example Sentences

Researchers also found that compounds found in bamboo can inhibit the formation of furan and reduce the production of acrylamide.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

Researchers suggested that acrylamide — a chemical compound that's formed when certain foods, like potatoes, are fried, roasted or baked — is what's behind a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

Rothamsted Research this month applied for a permit to field test wheat edited to contain less asparagine, an amino acid that becomes the carcinogen acrylamide when baked.

From Science Magazine • May 26, 2021

There have been 280 cases brought under Proposition 65 against foods for containing trace amounts of acrylamide, according to data from the California attorney general's office.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2018

Most news coverage responsibly noted that the evidence about acrylamide is not nearly as definitive as the judge ruled when he found that coffee warrants a label saying it contains a “known” human carcinogen.

From Slate • May 17, 2018