gum from an acacia tree; used as a thickener (especially in candies and pharmaceuticals)
An edible substance taken from one of two species of sub-Saharan acacia trees, Senegalia senegal and Vachellia seyal. It is used in the food industry as a stabilizer (e.g. in soda, gumdrops and marshmallows) and in other industries including pharmaceuticals, paints and polishes.