emulsifier

noun

emul·​si·​fi·​er i-ˈməl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce emulsifier (audio)
: one that emulsifies
especially : a surface-active agent (such as a soap) promoting the formation and stabilization of an emulsion

Examples of emulsifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To prevent phase separation, an emulsifier can be added to the vinaigrette to stabilize the emulsion. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2015 Many include emulsifiers, preservatives and thickeners such as tapioca. Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2024 Unlike bulk chocolate-makers, Lantry adds no lecithin or other emulsifier, which tends to give chocolate an unpleasant, waxy taste. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Nov. 2023 Adding emulsifiers like lecithin forms smaller droplets and helps prevent them from recombining, resulting in a chewier, longer-lasting confection. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 What started as a content platform evolved into a full-fledged business that sells a range of products made without emulsifiers, flavorings, or preservatives. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2024 A little research showed that Starbucks blends drinks with very small amounts of a common commercial food emulsifier called xanthan gum, which when added to blender cocktails, holds the ice and liquid together, giving a spectacular, almost soft-serve texture. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2023 Brominated vegetable oil, an emulsifier in citrus drinks, has been tied to behavioral and reproductive issues in lab animals, among other health concerns. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2023 Heart health isn’t the only concern when evaluating emulsifiers. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emulsifier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emulsifier was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near emulsifier

Cite this Entry

“Emulsifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulsifier. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emulsifier

noun
emul·​si·​fi·​er i-ˈməl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce emulsifier (audio)
: a substance (as a soap) that helps to form and stabilize an emulsion

Medical Definition

emulsifier

noun
emul·​si·​fi·​er i-ˈməl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce emulsifier (audio)
: one that emulsifies
especially : a surface-active agent (as a soap) promoting the formation and stabilization of an emulsion

More from Merriam-Webster on emulsifier

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