agar

noun

ˈä-gər How to pronounce agar (audio)
1
: a gelatinous colloidal extract of a red alga (as of the genera Gelidium, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma) used especially in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods
2
: a culture medium containing agar

Examples of agar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was some nutrient agar in the bottom, and a bunch of little, tiny plants. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Feb. 2025 Heat 100ml lemon juice to a simmer and slowly add the agar agar while stirring. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 The studio’s bio-plastics are built from biopolymers such as agar and gelatin, with varying components used to control flexibility and translucency. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026 Instructions In a small skillet over medium heat, stir together the agar and 3 tablespoons of water until dissolved. — Yoko Lamn, Saveur, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agar

Word History

Etymology

short for Malay agar-agar, name for the red alga from which it is extracted

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of agar was in 1885

Phrases Containing agar

Rhymes for agar

See All Rhymes for agar

Browse Nearby Words

Agapornis
agar
agar-agar
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Cite this Entry

“Agar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

agar

noun
ˈäg-ər How to pronounce agar (audio)
variants also agar-agar
ˈäg-ə-ˈräg-ər
1
: a jellylike substance obtained from a red alga and used especially in culture media or to give firmness to foods
2
: a culture medium containing agar

Medical Definition

agar

noun
ˈäg-ər How to pronounce agar (audio)
1
: a gelatinous colloidal extract of a red alga (as of the genera Gelidium, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma) used especially in culture media or as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods
2
: a culture medium containing agar

More from Merriam-Webster on agar

Nglish: Translation of agar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agar

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