noun
Uncommon
gluten
GLOO-tuhn
Gluten (noun) means a protein found in wheat and other cereal grains, responsible for the stretchy texture of dough. Example: “People with celiac disease must avoid foods containing gluten.”
noun
1
A protein found in wheat and other cereal grains, responsible for the stretchy texture of dough.
"People with celiac disease must avoid foods containing gluten."
"Kneading bread dough develops the gluten, giving the loaf its chewy texture."
"This bakery sells loaves made without gluten for customers who cannot eat wheat."
How to use gluten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe protein in wheat that makes bread dough stretchy and chewy.
Common pairings
gluten-free
gluten intolerance
gluten allergy
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Word forms
- Plural
- glutens
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
People with celiac disease must avoid foods containing _____.
Etymology
From Latin gluten, meaning "glue" — the same root that gives us the word "glue" itself.
Frequently asked questions
What does “gluten” mean?
The word “gluten” means a protein found in wheat and other cereal grains, responsible for the stretchy texture of dough. In plain terms, the protein in wheat that makes bread dough stretchy and chewy.
How do you pronounce “gluten”?
“Gluten” is pronounced GLOO-tuhn (/ˈɡluːtən/ in IPA).
How do you use “gluten” in a sentence?
Here is “gluten” used in a sentence: “People with celiac disease must avoid foods containing gluten.”
What part of speech is “gluten”?
“Gluten” is a noun.
Where does the word “gluten” come from?
The word “gluten” comes from Latin. From Latin gluten, meaning "glue" — the same root that gives us the word "glue" itself.
Is “gluten” a common word?
“Gluten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between gluten and wheat?
Wheat is a cereal grain, while gluten is specifically the protein found within wheat and certain other grains that gives dough its stretchy, elastic texture. Not everything in wheat is gluten, but gluten is one of its key components.
What is the difference between being gluten-intolerant and having celiac disease?
Gluten intolerance generally refers to digestive discomfort after eating gluten, while celiac disease is a more serious autoimmune condition in which gluten triggers damage to the small intestine. Both conditions lead people to avoid gluten, but celiac disease involves a specific immune response rather than simple sensitivity.
Which foods commonly contain gluten?
Gluten is found in wheat and other cereal grains, meaning it commonly appears in bread, pasta, and baked goods made from those grains. Products labeled "gluten-free" are made without wheat or other gluten-containing grains for people who need to avoid it.
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