algin

Noun

algin (plural algins)

1. Any of various gelatinous gums, derivatives of alginic acid, derived from marine brown algae and used especially as emulsifiers or thickeners.
   • Algin was first discovered by Stanford in the early 1880's, and there is little doubt that the event was the beginning of a new era in the use of seaweeds.[…]Since Stanford discovered algin the name has been applied to a number of substances derived from alginic acid.1950, Valentine Jackson Chapman, Seaweeds and Their Uses, 3rd edition, page 194
   • All the algins are edible, but they pass unchanged through the alimentary tract and add no food value.2002, George S. Brady, Henry R. Clauser, John A. Vaccari, Materials Handbook, 15th edition, →ISBN, page 826