methyl cellulose

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a grayish-white powder prepared from cellulose that swells to a highly viscous colloidal solution in water: used as a food additive and in water paints, leather tanning, and cosmetics.

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Etymology

Origin of methyl cellulose

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

But the nutrition labels of many highly processed plant-based products require a Google search to decipher: methyl cellulose, modified starch, soy protein concentrate.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022

Virus was incubated with the cells for 1 h at 37 °C, then layered with methyl cellulose.

From Nature • Apr. 18, 2016

The new rules are expected to outlaw more than 100 diet- product ingredients on the market, including methyl cellulose and other bulking agents that supposedly "swell" in the consumer's stomach and curb appetite.

From Time Magazine Archive