Iodized starch is a type of starch that has been treated with iodine. The spelling of this word [aɪədaɪzd stɑːtʃ] can be broken down phonetically. The first syllable "io-" is pronounced as "eye-oh" while "-dized" is pronounced as "dize-d." The second syllable, "starch," is pronounced as "stahrch." The word is commonly used in the food industry as an additive to improve the nutritional value of certain products, such as bread and dairy products, and to enhance the whiteness of certain foods.
Iodized starch is a form of starch that has been treated with iodine to enhance its properties and make it more suitable for certain applications. Starch, a natural carbohydrate polymer obtained from plants, is widely used in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Iodization refers to the process of incorporating iodine into starch molecules, resulting in iodized starch.
The addition of iodine to starch serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it imparts a distinctive reddish-brown color to the starch, making it easily distinguishable from regular starch. This can be particularly useful in industrial processes where differentiation between iodized and non-iodized starch is essential. Secondly, iodine improves the stability and shelf life of starch by preventing the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage. This antimicrobial property makes iodized starch an ideal ingredient in food products that require extended storage periods.
Furthermore, iodized starch has adhesive properties, making it suitable for use as a binder in industries such as papermaking, construction, and pharmaceuticals. It can also act as a thickening agent in various food products, providing texture and consistency. Moreover, iodized starch has found applications in the textile industry, where it is used as a sizing agent to improve the strength and appearance of fabrics.
Overall, iodized starch is a modified form of starch that has been treated with iodine to enhance its color, stability, antimicrobial properties, adhesive capabilities, and thickening ability.
Amylum iodatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "iodized starch" does not have a specific etymology on its own because it is a compound term made up of two separate words: "iodized" and "starch".
"Iodized" refers to the process of adding iodine to a substance, usually to increase its iodine content or for medicinal purposes. "Iodine" comes from the French word "iode", which was coined by the French chemist Bernard Courtois in 1813 when he discovered iodine. The origin of "iode" in French is uncertain but is possibly derived from either the Greek word "iodes", meaning "violet", or the Greek word "ion", meaning "violet dye".
"Starch", on the other hand, comes from the Old English word "stercan", which means "to stiffen" or "to strengthen".