sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

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Explanation of "Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose"

Definition:Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (often abbreviated as CMC) is a gummy substance that comes from cellulose, which is a natural material found in plants. It is a sodium salt, meaning it contains sodium. This substance is mainly used in food and other products to thicken or stabilize mixtures, making them smoother and creamier.

Advanced Usage:

In more technical contexts, particularly in food science or pharmaceuticals, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose might be discussed in terms of its viscosity (how thick a liquid is) and its ability to form gels. It's important for creating stable emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water that don’t separate.

Word Variants:

The term "carboxymethyl cellulose" can also be used without the "sodium" part, referring to the base compound. The "sodium" part is what makes it soluble in water.

Different Meanings:

• In Chemistry: It refers specifically to the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, focusing on its chemical properties.
• In Culinary Uses: It may refer to its function as a food additive, emphasizing its role in improving food texture.

Synonyms:

• CMC (abbreviation)
• Cellulose gum
• E466 (its food additive code)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, in a broader context, you might hear phrases like: - "Thick as molasses," which can relate to thickening agents in cooking. - "Mix it up," referring to combining ingredients, where sodium carboxymethyl cellulose helps keep everything blended smoothly.

Summary:

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a versatile ingredient used to thicken and stabilize products in food and other industries.

Academic

Noun

1. a gummy substance that is a sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose; used as a thickening or emulsifying agent