methylcellulose

Main Entry: meth·yl·cel·lu·lose
Pronunciation: "meth-&l-'sel-y&-"lOs, -"lOz
Function: noun
: any of various gummyproducts of cellulose methylation that swell in water and are used especially as emulsifiers, adhesives, thickeners, and bulk laxatives

methylcellulose meth·yl·cel·lu·lose (měth'əl-sěl'yə-lōs', -lōz')
n.
A powdery substance that swells in water to form a gel, is prepared by the methylation of natural cellulose, and is used as a food additive, a bulk-forming laxative, an emulsifier, and a thickener.