Saccharin
/ˈsæk.ə.rɪn/noun
A sweet-tasting synthetic compound used as a sugar substitute.
Did you know?Saccharin was discovered in 1879 by a chemist who accidentally tasted it while working with coal tar derivatives, igniting a sweet revolution and controversy over artificial sweeteners!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
saccharum
“A substance derived from sugar cane or sugar beet.”
17th Century
French
saccharine
“Relating to sugar or sweet substances.”
19th Century
English
saccharin
“A synthetic compound discovered as a sugar substitute.”
20th Century
English
saccharin
“Became widely known as an artificial sweetener amidst health debates.”
Explore more surprising origins