monosodium glutamate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Scientific (Chemistry, Food Science); also common in general discourse about food additives and health.
Quick answer
What does “monosodium glutamate” mean?
The sodium salt of glutamic acid (an amino acid), used as a flavour enhancer in food, commonly known by its abbreviation MSG.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sodium salt of glutamic acid (an amino acid), used as a flavour enhancer in food, commonly known by its abbreviation MSG.
A white crystalline powder added to processed and restaurant foods to intensify savoury, umami flavours. Its use is sometimes controversial, associated with the 'Chinese restaurant syndrome' myth, though regulatory bodies generally deem it safe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The abbreviation 'MSG' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with 'Chinese restaurant syndrome' and negative health discourse in American English, though present in both.
Frequency
The full term 'monosodium glutamate' is less frequent than the initialism 'MSG' in casual speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “monosodium glutamate” in a Sentence
[Food] contains monosodium glutamate.[Manufacturers] add monosodium glutamate to [product].[Consumers] avoid monosodium glutamate.Monosodium glutamate is derived from [source].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monosodium glutamate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recipe was glutamated to improve its palatability.
- They do not glutamate their crisps.
American English
- The broth is glutamated for a richer taste.
- This brand doesn't glutamate its products.
adjective
British English
- The monosodium-glutamate content is listed.
- She has a monosodium glutamate intolerance.
American English
- A monosodium-glutamate-free diet.
- The monosodium glutamate controversy persists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in food manufacturing, labelling, and marketing (e.g., 'MSG-free' claims).
Academic
Common in food science, chemistry, nutrition, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Discussed in contexts of cooking, eating out, reading food labels, and dietary choices.
Technical
Precise chemical name used in specifications, regulatory documents, and ingredient lists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monosodium glutamate”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monosodium glutamate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monosodium glutamate”
- Misspelling as 'monosodium glutimate' or 'monosodium glutemate'. Incorrectly using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three monosodium glutamates').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Major global health authorities, including the FDA and EFSA, classify monosodium glutamate as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). Some individuals may experience short-term, mild symptoms, but no conclusive evidence links it to serious long-term health issues in the general population.
Glutamates occur naturally in many foods, including tomatoes, cheese (especially Parmesan), mushrooms, soy sauce, walnuts, and grapes. Monosodium glutamate is a purified, concentrated form of this compound.
A term coined in the 1960s describing a set of symptoms (headache, flushing) some people attributed to eating Chinese food containing MSG. The term is now considered pejorative and scientifically dubious, as controlled studies have failed to consistently replicate these effects.
Look for: 'monosodium glutamate', 'MSG', 'E621', 'flavour enhancer (621)', or 'hydrolysed vegetable protein' (which contains glutamates). 'No added MSG' claims are regulated but do not mean the product is free of natural glutamates.
The sodium salt of glutamic acid (an amino acid), used as a flavour enhancer in food, commonly known by its abbreviation MSG.
Monosodium glutamate is usually technical / scientific (chemistry, food science); also common in general discourse about food additives and health. in register.
Monosodium glutamate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnə(ʊ)ˌsəʊdiəm ˈɡluːtəmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnəˌsoʊdiəm ˈɡluːtəmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is sometimes used metaphorically to signify an artificial or exaggerated enhancement, e.g., 'His speech was seasoned with the monosodium glutamate of populism.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MONO (one) + SODIUM (like in salt) + GLUTAMATE (sounds like 'glue' + 'tomato' – imagine it 'glues' savoury flavour to your taste buds, like in a tomato sauce).
Conceptual Metaphor
FLAVOUR IS AN AMPLIFIER / FLAVOUR IS A CHEMICAL ('flavour enhancer', 'booster'). HEALTH IS PURITY / CHEMICALS ARE BAD (in negative discourse).
Practice
Quiz
Monosodium glutamate primarily enhances which of the five basic tastes?