Main Entry: xan·than gum

Pronunciation: \ˈzan-thən-\

Function: noun

Etymology: xanth- (from New Latin Xanthomonas, genus name) + ³-an

Date: 1964

: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a gram-negative bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods —called also xanthan