Word
glutamate
Phoneticsglu·ta·mate
US/ˈɡɫutəˌmeɪt/
UK/ɡlˈuːtɐmˌeɪt/
Definitions
01chemical salt
n. a type of chemical salt used in food to make it taste savory or meaty.
n. any salt or ester of glutamic acid, frequently utilized in the food industry as a flavor enhancer.
“Many people recognize monosodium glutamate as the ingredient that gives snacks a savory taste.”
“The food scientist explained that glutamate naturally occurs in aged cheeses and tomatoes, contributing to their intense umami profile.”
Technical
Usage
Often used in the full form 'monosodium glutamate' (MSG) when referring to food additives.
Synonyms
02neurotransmitter
n. a chemical in the brain that helps send messages between nerve cells.
n. the anion of glutamic acid acting as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system.
“Glutamate is essential for learning and memory because it helps brain cells communicate.”
“Excessive levels of extracellular glutamate can lead to excitotoxicity, a process where nerve cells are damaged or killed by overactivation.”
Technical
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the chemical substance in a biological context.
Real-World Examples
“Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found on cells throughout the body and are especially important as modulators of synapses in the brain.” “For an NMDA receptor to become fully active, it needs both glutamate and glycine.” Etymology
From glutamic acid + -ate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/glutamate