ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gluten

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɫutən// UK //ɡlˈuːtən// gluten Archaic

n. a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps dough stay together and gives bread its chewy texture.

n. a mixture of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in cereal grains that gives dough its elastic texture.


SIMPLE

Many bakeries now offer bread that does not contain gluten.

CONTEXTUAL

Because she has a digestive sensitivity, she always checks food labels to ensure they are free of gluten.

COMPLEX

The structural integrity of traditional sourdough relies on the development of a strong gluten network, which traps carbon dioxide bubbles during the fermentation process.

Origin

From Middle French gluten, borrowed from Latin glūten (“glue”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance; occasionally used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of gluten proteins in a scientific context.

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