glutamate
/ˈɡluːtəmeɪt/
noun
- A salt or ester of glutamic acid, often used as a flavor enhancer in food (e.g., monosodium glutamate).
- Some people are sensitive to glutamate and get headaches after eating it.
- Many processed foods contain added glutamate to make them taste savory.
- Glutamate occurs naturally in tomatoes and cheese.
- A chemical in the body that helps nerve cells send signals to each other.
- Scientists study how glutamate affects memory and learning.
- Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain.
- Too much glutamate can overstimulate nerve cells and cause damage.