ˈzanthən- noun
also xanthan
Etymology: xanth- (from New Latin Xanthomonas , genus name, from xanth- + -monas ) + -an (III)
: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a bacterium of the genus Xanthomonas ( X. campestris ) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods