Guar

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ɡwɑːr/

Phonetic: GWAR

Definitions

• A drought-resistant plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) cultivated mainly in India and Pakistan for its seeds, which are used to produce guar gum.
• Guar gum, a natural thickening agent derived from guar seeds, used in food and industrial applications.

Usage Examples

• "Guar is widely grown in arid regions due to its resilience and commercial value."
• "The food industry uses guar gum as a stabilizer in ice creams and sauces."

Etymology

From Hindi ग्वार (gwār), meaning ‘cluster bean,’ derived from Sanskrit sources.

Synonyms

• Cluster bean
• Guar bean

Antonyms

• Non-leguminous crops

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English: /ɡwɑːr/

In British English: /ɡwɑː/

Historical Usage

Guar has been cultivated in India and Pakistan for centuries, traditionally used as cattle fodder. In the 20th century, it gained prominence for its industrial applications, particularly as a stabilizing and thickening agent.

Cultural Nuances

Guar is not only an agricultural commodity but also plays a role in regional cuisines. The guar bean is commonly cooked as a vegetable in Indian dishes.

More Information

Guar gum extracted from the seeds of the guar plant is used in the food industry as a thickener and stabilizer. It is also employed in oil drilling, textiles, and paper manufacturing. Due to its high demand, India is the world's largest producer of guar.