gum arabic

noun

1. a water-soluble, gummy exudate obtained from the acacia tree, especially Acacia senegal, used as an emulsifier, an adhesive, in inks, and in pharmaceuticals.

gum arabic

noun

1. a gum exuded by certain acacia trees, esp Acacia senegal: used in the manufacture of ink, food thickeners, pills, emulsifiers, etc Also calledacaciagum acacia

gum arabic

1. A gum exuded by various African trees of the genus Acacia, especially A. senegal. Gum arabic is used in the preparation of pills and emulsions, in the manufacture of adhesives and candies, and as a thickener and stabilizer of colloids. Gum arabic consists mostly of a mixture of oligosaccharides and heavy glycoproteins.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gum arabic¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Color stabilizers like gum arabic and acetaldehyde are often used in red wine to preserve color.

From National Geographic

Kellogg's frosted confetti cupcake Pop Tarts use gum arabic, as does its Morningstar Farms spicy black bean veggie burgers.

From Reuters

While cosmetics and printing manufacturers may be able to use substitutes, there is no alternative to gum arabic in fizzy drinks, where it prevents ingredients from separating.

From Reuters

He also upped the proportion of the gum arabic to make the solution thicker than usual, so that it would stick to glasses.

From Salon

Fe Ocan, a deep red blend of gum arabic, roses, white copal, red sandalwood and amber, “encourages love in all forms.”

From Los Angeles Times