Maillard reaction

noun

Mail·​lard reaction mə-ˈlärd- 

-ˈyär-

: a nonenzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins that occurs upon heating and that produces browning of some foods (such as meat and bread)

Examples of Maillard reaction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, Maillard reactions between sugars and amino acids – which make up proteins – create new compounds, including brown pigments called melanoidins and a range of flavor compounds. —Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Louis-Camille Maillard †1936 French biochemist

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Maillard reaction

• benefaction
• counteraction
• interaction
• liquefaction
• putrefaction
• rarefaction
• satisfaction
• stupefaction
• tumefaction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction

Medical Definition

Maillard reaction

noun

Mail·​lard reaction mə-ˈlärd-, -ˈyär- 

: a nonenzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins that occurs upon heating and that produces browning of some foods (as meat and bread)