n :  any of various colloidal substances derived from marine brown algae and esp. giant kelp: as  a  :  ALGINIC ACID  b  :  a soluble salt of alginic acid used esp. as a stabilizing, emulsifying, or thickening agent in foods (as ice cream), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and as a base for dental-impression materials - called also sodium alginate  .
 
 
 
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