amylopectin

noun

am·​y·​lo·​pec·​tin ˌa-mə-lō-ˈpek-tən How to pronounce amylopectin (audio)
: a component of starch that has a high molecular weight and branched structure and does not tend to gel in aqueous solutions

Examples of amylopectin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studies have found that cooking gelatinizes starch, which means that amylopectin and amylose are released and exposed to enzymes. Richard Wrangham, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2011 The structure of rice noodles is due to amylose and amylopectin as well. Ashton Yoon, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2018 Different gels can be made using different starches because starches' consistencies vary with the proportions of amylose and amylopectin that comprise them. Science Buddies, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2012 The two main molecules of that starch, a type of carbohydrate, are amylose and amylopectin, deposited in solid granules throughout the plant. Washington Post, 18 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amylopectin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amylopectin was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near amylopectin

Cite this Entry

“Amylopectin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amylopectin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

amylopectin

noun
am·​y·​lo·​pec·​tin ˌam-ə-lō-ˈpek-tən How to pronounce amylopectin (audio)
: a component of starch that has a high molecular weight and branched structure and does not tend to gel in aqueous solutions

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