Saccharine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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saccharine
[หsรฆk.ษr.ษชn ]
Definitions
sweet
excessively sweet or sentimental
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- the movie's saccharine ending made some viewers cringe
- the saccharine love songs of the 1980s
substitute
a substance used as a calorie-free sweetener
Synonyms
artificial sweetener, substitute, sweetener.
Examples of usage
- saccharine is often used as a sugar substitute in diet drinks
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Saccharine is known as one of the first artificial sweeteners and is often used in diet foods and drinks.
- Despite its sweet flavor, consuming excessive artificial sweeteners like saccharine has been a topic of debated health effects.
- Some studies have linked certain artificial sweeteners to health issues, leading to controversies about their safety for consumption.
Pop Culture
- The term 'saccharine' can describe overly sentimental or sweet themes in movies or books, often viewed as cheesy or unrealistic.
- In popular music, songs with too much sweetness in lyrics can be referred to as saccharine, drawing mixed responses from critics and audiences.
- The phrase 'saccharine sweet' is often used to describe characters in films or novels that are excessively charming or naive.
Science
- As a sugar substitute, saccharine is approximately 300-400 times sweeter than table sugar, meaning a very small amount is needed.
- It is often used in food and beverages without adding calories, which appeals to those looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Research into saccharineโs impact on taste receptors has provided insights into how sweetness perception works in humans.
Literature
- Authors often use the word 'saccharine' to describe overly sweet characters, making them appear insincere or annoying.
- In poetry, saccharine language can evoke strong emotions, but may also be criticized for lacking depth or authenticity.
- The contrast between saccharine and bitter can be a common theme in literature, symbolizing the balance of happiness and sadness.
Origin of 'saccharine'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'saccharum', meaning sugar, which highlights its sweet nature.
- It was first identified in 1879 by a chemist named Constantin Fahlberg, who accidentally discovered it while working in a lab.
- The term evolved to denote both a specific sweetener and a metaphor for excessive sweetness in behavior or attitudes.
The word 'saccharine' originated from the Latin word 'saccharum' which means sugar. In the late 19th century, saccharine was discovered as a sweetening agent. It gained popularity as a sugar substitute due to its intense sweetness. Despite controversies over its safety, saccharine remains widely used in various food and beverage products.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,495, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
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- 24492 divined
- 24493 touchy
- 24494 vacuole
- 24495 saccharine
- 24496 grille
- 24497 optionally
- 24498 segregating
- ...