aspartame

as·par·tame

noun \ˈas-pər-ˌtām, ə-ˈspär-ˌtām\

Definition of ASPARTAME

: a crystalline compound C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener

Origin of ASPARTAME

aspartic acid + phenylalanine + methyl + ester

First Known Use: 1972

as·par·tame

noun \ˈas-pər-ˌtām, ə-ˈspär-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ASPARTAME

: a crystalline dipeptide ester C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is synthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener—see nutrasweet

aspartame

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Synthetic organic compound (a dipeptide) of phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is 150–200 times as sweet as cane sugar and is used as a nonnutritive tabletop sweetener and in low-calorie prepared foods (brand names NutraSweet, Equal) but is not suitable for baking. Because of its phenylalanine content, persons with phenylketonuria must avoid it. Though it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities around the world, its safety even for those without the disease remains controversial. See also saccharin.