monosodium glutamate

noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C5H8NNaO4⋅H2O, used to intensify the flavor of foods.
Also called MSG, sodium glutamate.
Compare glutamic acid.

Origin of monosodium glutamate

First recorded in 1925–30

Words nearby monosodium glutamate

monoscope, monosemy, monosepalous, monoski, monosodium, monosodium glutamate, monosome, monosomia, monosomic, monospaced type, monospasm

British Dictionary definitions for monosodium glutamate

monosodium glutamate
/ (ˌmɒnəʊˈsəʊdɪəm) /

noun

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 called: sodium glutamate Abbreviation: MSG

Medical definitions for monosodium glutamate

monosodium glutamate
[ mŏn′ə-sō′dē-əm ]

n.

A white odorless crystalline compound that is a salt of glutamic acid; it is used as a flavor enhancer in foods, an application that may cause Chinese restaurant syndrome in sensitive people, and used intravenously as an adjunct in treating encephalopathies associated with liver disease.

Scientific definitions for monosodium glutamate

monosodium glutamate
[ mŏn′ə-sō′dē-əm glōō′tə-māt′ ]

A white, crystalline salt used to flavor food, especially in China and Japan. It occurs naturally in tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and seaweed. Chemical formula: C5H8NNaO4.