glutamate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “glutamate” mean?
A salt or ester of glutamic acid, serving as a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A salt or ester of glutamic acid, serving as a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
Any compound containing this anion; commonly refers to monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer used in food preparation. Also refers broadly to glutamic acid and its ionic forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical. Usage context (neuroscience vs. food) is consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term in food contexts may carry negative connotations (e.g., 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome') among some demographics, though the scientific consensus deems it safe.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “glutamate” in a Sentence
[substance] contains glutamate[process] releases glutamate[receptor] binds glutamate[enzyme] synthesises/metabolises glutamateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glutamate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The glutamatergic system is a major focus of research.
- They studied glutamate receptor dynamics.
American English
- Glutamate signaling is crucial for learning.
- They detected a glutamate response.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food manufacturing or pharmaceutical industries discussing additives or drug targets.
Academic
Common in neuroscience, biochemistry, physiology, and food science papers.
Everyday
Limited, mostly in discussions about food additives ('no added MSG/glutamate').
Technical
Core term in neurobiology (e.g., 'glutamatergic transmission') and food chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glutamate”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glutamate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glutamate”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈɡlʌtəmeɪt/ (with a short 'u').
- Using 'glutamate' and 'glutamic acid' interchangeably without specifying ionic form.
- Assuming it is always an artificial additive (it occurs naturally in many foods like tomatoes, cheese).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid essential for bodily function. As a food additive (MSG), it is generally recognised as safe by major health bodies, though some individuals report sensitivity.
Glutamic acid is the amino acid. Glutamate is the anionic (salt/ester) form of glutamic acid, which is the form that functions as a neurotransmitter and flavour enhancer.
It is found naturally in protein-rich foods (meat, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes) and is produced in the human body. Synthesised monosodium glutamate is added to many processed foods.
It is the major excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning it stimulates nerve cells to fire, playing a crucial role in learning, memory, and neural communication.
A salt or ester of glutamic acid, serving as a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
Glutamate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Glutamate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡluːtəmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡluːt̬əmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GLUe' + 'mate' – glutamate acts like a chemical 'mate' that 'glues' or facilitates communication between nerve cells.
Conceptual Metaphor
MESSENGER (for neurotransmitter function), FLAVOUR AMPLIFIER/BOOSTER (for culinary function).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'glutamate' LEAST likely to be used?