Monosodium glutamate is a substance which is sometimes added to savoury food to make it taste better. The abbreviation MSG is also used.
monosodium glutamate in British English
(ˌmɒnəʊˈsəʊdɪəm)
noun
a white crystalline substance, the sodium salt of glutamic acid, that has little flavour itself but enhances the flavour of proteins either by increasing the amount of saliva produced in the mouth or by stimulating the taste buds: used as a food additive, esp in Chinese foods. Formula: NaC5H8O4
Also called: sodium glutamate. Abbreviation: MSG
monosodium glutamate in American English
(ˌmɑnəˈsoʊdiəm)
a white crystalline powder, NaC5H8NO4, derived from vegetable protein and used in foods as a flavor intensifier