Plural of guar; legume plants native to India that produce guar beans, widely used to make guar gum as a thickening agent.
From Hindi 'guar,' referring to the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba plant. The word entered English through trade and commerce with India, becoming common as guar products became globally significant.
Guar gum is in ice cream, yogurt, salad dressing, and tons of other foods—so you've probably eaten a plant from India today without realizing it!
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