Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

melanoid

Adjective
/ˈmɛl.ə.nɔɪd/
Definition
A chemical compound that is characterized by a brown color, typically formed during the Maillard reaction.
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.
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.
Synonyms
  • brown pigment
  • Maillard product
  • caramelized compound