alginic acid

noun Chemistry.

1. an insoluble, colloidal acid, (C6H8O6)n, found in the cell walls of various kelps, especially brown kelps, known chiefly in the form of its salts, and used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in foodstuffs, especially ice cream, and for sizing paper.

noun

1. a white or yellowish powdery polysaccharide having marked hydrophilic properties. Extracted from kelp, it is used mainly in the food and textile industries and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Formula: (C 6 H 8 O 6) n; molecular wt: 32 000–250 000