polysorbate
noun
poly·sor·bate
ˌpä-lē-ˈsȯr-ˌbāt 
: any of several emulsifiers used in the preparation of some pharmaceuticals or foods
Examples of polysorbate in a Sentence
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Only two of them—the synthetic emulsifiers carboxymethylcellulose (found in vitamins and dietary supplements) and polysorbate 80 (usually in edible oils and cake icing)—were determined to have lasting negative consequences.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Mice studies have shown that polysorbate 80 and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)—two common emulsifiers—may change the composition of the gut microbiota and make the bowel wall leaky.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
Overall, the only reason not to get this vaccine, according to the CDC, is if the child has a severe allergic reaction to one of its components -- PEG or polysorbate.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Nov. 2021
Two specifically mentioned by the CDC are polyethylene glycol (PEG), a compound that makes the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines more stable, and an emulsifier called polysorbate.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2021
The AstraZeneca vaccine does contain polysorbate.
—Amanda Morris, The Arizona Republic, 23 Jan. 2021
This milk takes the dubious prize for most additives: guar gum, carboy methyl cellulose, polysorbate 60, citric acid, sodium, sodium metabisulphite.
—Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2017
Ice creams were frozen in a batch freezer with three types of sweetener, three levels of the emulsifier polysorbate 80, and two different draw temperatures to produce ice creams with a range of microstructures.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2011
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Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Mice studies have shown that polysorbate 80 and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)—two common emulsifiers—may change the composition of the gut microbiota and make the bowel wall leaky.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
Overall, the only reason not to get this vaccine, according to the CDC, is if the child has a severe allergic reaction to one of its components -- PEG or polysorbate.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Nov. 2021
Two specifically mentioned by the CDC are polyethylene glycol (PEG), a compound that makes the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines more stable, and an emulsifier called polysorbate.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2021
The AstraZeneca vaccine does contain polysorbate.
—Amanda Morris, The Arizona Republic, 23 Jan. 2021
This milk takes the dubious prize for most additives: guar gum, carboy methyl cellulose, polysorbate 60, citric acid, sodium, sodium metabisulphite.
—Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2017
Ice creams were frozen in a batch freezer with three types of sweetener, three levels of the emulsifier polysorbate 80, and two different draw temperatures to produce ice creams with a range of microstructures.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2011
Cite this Entry
“Polysorbate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polysorbate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polysorbate
noun
poly·sor·bate
ˌpäl-i-ˈsȯr-ˌbāt
: any of several emulsifiers used in the preparation of some pharmaceuticals and foods see tween
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