carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an ˌker-ə-ˈgē-nən 

ˌka-rə-

variants or carrageenin

: a colloid extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a stabilizing or thickening agent

Examples of carrageenan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ledesma points out that commercial rotisserie chickens often contain ingredients such as sodium phosphate or carrageenan to improve texture, moisture, or appearance. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026

Costco noted that the plaintiffs took issue with the ingredients sodium phosphate and carrageenan, calling them preservatives. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 11 June 2026

Made with real cream and no artificial sweeteners, each 52-ounce carton is also carrageenan and hydrogenated oil-free. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026

Although generally recognized as safe for consumption, certain additives, such as carrageenan, may have negative effects. — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

carrageen + -an entry 3 or -in entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carrageenan

• pangasinan
• catenin
• renin

Kids Definition

carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an

variants or carrageenin

ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən 

: a substance obtained from various red algae (as Irish moss) that is used in foods especially to stabilize and thicken them

Medical Definition

carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an

variants also carrageenin or carragheenan

ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən 

: a typically gel-forming polysaccharide extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a suspending agent (as in foods) and as a clarifying agent (as for beverages) and in controlling crystal growth in frozen confections