carboxymethylcellulose
/kɑːˌbɒksɪˌmiːθʌɪlˈsɛljʊləʊs/ /kɑːˌbɒksɪˌmiːθʌɪlˈsɛljʊləʊz/Chemistry
noun
Any of a range of derivatives of cellulose in which a proportion of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups are replaced by carboxymethyl groups, —CH2COOH.
- Some forms of carboxymethylcellulose (often as sodium salts) are used as stabilizers and thickeners in foodstuffs and other products..
Origin
1940s. From carboxy- + methyl + cellulose.