carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an ˌker-ə-ˈgē-nən How to pronounce carrageenan (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other potentially irritating ingredients include fermentable fibers like inulin and carrageenan, gums and thickeners like xanthan gum, and sugar alcohols that can produce gas as a byproduct and trigger stomach discomfort, Sharp says. Sonya Collins, Fortune, 25 June 2025 Thickeners: Lower-fat cottage cheese is more likely to contain thickeners like carrageenan and guar gum, but these additives are also in some full-fat cottage cheeses. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025 The document, which appeared to be a draft, included a section on emulsifiers, such as xanthan gum and carrageenan. David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 Designed for kids aged six months to six years, the products are safe-to-swallow, carrageenan and fluoride-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 This same principle allows ingredients like guar gum and carrageenan to help keep ice cream smooth in the freezer by preventing stray bits of liquid water from joining slow-growing ice crystals. Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss or carrageenan moss, has quickly become a standout in the holistic health world due to its wide-ranging benefits for the body. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 Some Contain Emulsifiers Some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025 Some almond milk may contain carrageenan, a controversial additive that some claim is associated with digestive symptoms and inflammation. Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

carrageen + -an entry 3 or -in entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carrageenan was circa 1889

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carrageenan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carrageenan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

carrageenan

noun
car·​ra·​geen·​an
variants or carrageenin
: 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
: 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

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