monosodium glutamate

noun

mono·​so·​di·​um glu·​ta·​mate ˌmä-nə-ˌsō-dē-əm-ˈglü-tə-ˌmāt 

: a crystalline sodium salt C₅H₈NO₄Na derived from glutamic acid and used to enhance the flavor of food

—abbreviation MSG

Examples of monosodium glutamate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stove Top Savory Herb What’s inside: Unsurprisingly, both Stove Top stuffing mixes had similar ingredient lists, though MSG (monosodium glutamate, on the ingredients list) is only present in this version. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 3 Nov. 2023

Or consider a sprinkle of potassium chloride or monosodium glutamate for extra savoriness. —Sarah Garone, Health, 7 Apr. 2023

The product was monosodium glutamate, or MSG. —Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2020

Then, Allison Aubrey learns about the reputation of monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG. —David Morgan, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

monosodium glutamate

noun

mono·​so·​di·​um glu·​ta·​mate ˌmän-ə-ˌsōd-ē-əm-ˈglüt-ə-ˌmāt 

: a sodium salt used for seasoning foods

Medical Definition

monosodium glutamate

noun

mono·​so·​di·​um glu·​ta·​mate ˌmän-ə-ˌsōd-ē-əm-ˈglüt-ə-ˌmāt 

: a crystalline salt C₅H₈NO₄Na derived from glutamic acid that is used to enhance the flavor of food and medicinally to reduce ammonia levels in blood and tissues in ammoniacal azotemia (as in hepatic insufficiency)

—abbreviation MSG

called also sodium glutamate