dextran

[ dek-struh n ]
/ ˈdɛk strən /

noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a viscous polysaccharide, composed of dextrose, produced by bacterial action on sucrose: used in confections and lacquers and in medicine chiefly as an extender for blood plasma.

Origin of dextran

First recorded in 1875–80; dextr(ose) + an(hydride)

Words nearby dextran

dexterous, dextr-, dextrad, dextral, dextrality, dextran, dextranase, dextrase, dextrin, dextrin 6-alpha-glucosidase, dextrin dextranase

British Dictionary definitions for dextran

dextran
/ (ˈdɛkstrən) /

noun

biochem a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions

Word Origin for dextran

C19: from dextro- + -an

Medical definitions for dextran

dextran
[ dĕk′străn′, -strən ]

n.

Any of a group of long-chain polymers of glucose with various molecular weights that are used in isotonic sodium chloride solution for the treatment of shock, in distilled water for the relief of the edema of nephrosis, and as plasma volume expanders.