algin

noun

al·​gin ˈal-jən 

: any of various colloidal substances (such as an alginate or alginic acid) derived from marine brown algae and used especially as emulsifiers or thickeners

Examples of algin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hydrating gel mask is infused with seawater algin to smooth fine lines and undereye puffiness, yeast extract to detox and hydrate, and strawberry seed extract to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 May 2021

At the time, local companies would cut the tops off kelp canopies and extracted algin, a chemical that was used for everything from controlling the foam in beer and making desserts moister. —Gary Robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, 1 Sep. 2017

Word History

Etymology

alga + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

algin

noun

al·​gin ˈal-jən 

: a substance obtained from marine brown algae that is used especially in food and paints to give thickness or firmness or to make a stable liquid mixture in which drops of one liquid are scattered evenly throughout the other

Medical Definition

algin

noun

al·​gin ˈal-jən 

: any of various colloidal substances derived from marine brown algae and especially giant kelp: as

a

: alginic acid

b

: a soluble salt of alginic acid used especially as a stabilizing, emulsifying, or thickening agent in foods (as ice cream), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and as a base for dental-impression materials

called also sodium alginate