Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
melanoid
Adjective
/ˈmɛl.ə.nɔɪd/
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Definition
A chemical compound that is characterized by a brown color, typically formed during the Maillard reaction.
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Examples
- The melanoid compounds formed during cooking enhance the flavor and color of food.
- Researchers studied how melanoid formation affects the nutritional quality of baked goods.
- The presence of melanoid substances can indicate the degree of browning in roasted coffee.
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Meaning
The term ‘melanoid’ refers to substances that are produced when proteins and sugars undergo heat treatment, leading to the development of complex brown pigments.
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Synonyms
- brown pigment
- Maillard product
- caramelized compound