aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈa-spər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär-ˌtām 

: a crystalline compound C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener

Examples of aspartame in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some people opt for artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025

Fortunately for me, and the ants of Europe, none of this seems to be true; multiple studies, for instance, have not found aspartame to be a useful insecticide. —Caity Weaver, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Artificial Sweeteners Some artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, have been linked with inflammation. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Jan. 2025

While most are generally recognized as safe, more recent research shows that some sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, may have negative health impacts. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

aspartic acid + phenylalanine + methyl + ester

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aspartame

noun

as·​par·​tame ˈas-pər-ˌtām  ə-ˈspär- 

: a crystalline dipeptide ester C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ that is synthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener see nutrasweet