Thickener: meaning, definitions and examples
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thickener
[ ˈθɪkənər ]
food industry
A substance added to food products to increase their viscosity and improve their texture. Thickener can be natural (such as starch or pectin) or synthetic (such as guar gum or xanthan gum). It is commonly used in sauces, soups, and gravies.
Synonyms
binder, gelling agent, stabilizer
Examples of usage
- Adding a thickener to the sauce will give it a creamier consistency.
- This recipe calls for a natural thickener like cornstarch.
medical field
A substance used to increase the viscosity of liquids in order to make them easier to swallow, typically used for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Synonyms
swallowing aid, viscosity enhancer
Examples of usage
- The doctor recommended using a thickener in the patient's drinks to prevent choking.
- Thickeners are often used in hospitals for patients with dysphagia.
Translations
Translations of the word "thickener" in other languages:
🇵🇹 espessante
🇮🇳 गाढ़ा करने वाला
🇩🇪 Verdickungsmittel
🇮🇩 pengental
🇺🇦 загущувач
🇵🇱 zagęstnik
🇯🇵 増粘剤 (ぞうねんざい)
🇫🇷 épaississant
🇪🇸 espesante
🇹🇷 kıvam arttırıcı
🇰🇷 증점제 (jeungjeomje)
🇸🇦 مادة مكثفة
🇨🇿 zahušťovadlo
🇸🇰 zahusťovadlo
🇨🇳 增稠剂 (zēngchóujì)
🇸🇮 zgoščevalec
🇮🇸 þykkiefni
🇰🇿 қоюландырғыш
🇬🇪 სასქელებელი (saskelebeli)
🇦🇿 qalınlaşdırıcı
🇲🇽 espesante
Word origin
The word 'thickener' dates back to the mid-19th century, derived from the verb 'thicken' with the suffix '-er'. It first appeared in the context of cooking and food preparation, referring to substances that increase the consistency of liquids. Over time, the term has expanded to include various industries such as the medical field, where thickeners are used to aid patients with swallowing difficulties.
See also: thickening.