Saccharine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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saccharine

[หˆsรฆk.ษ™r.ษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sweet

excessively sweet or sentimental

Synonyms

cloying, sugary, sweet.

Examples of usage

  • the movie's saccharine ending made some viewers cringe
  • the saccharine love songs of the 1980s
Context #2 | Noun

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 saccharineโ€™s 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.