lactose
[ lak-tohs ]
/ ˈlæk toʊs /
noun
Biochemistry.
a disaccharide, C12H22O11, present in milk, that upon hydrolysis yields glucose and galactose.
a white, crystalline, sweet, water-soluble commercial form of this compound, obtained from whey and used in infant feedings, in confections and other foods, in bacteriological media, and in pharmacology as a diluent and excipient.
Also called
milk sugar,
sugar of milk.
Words nearby lactose
lactone,
lactonize,
lactoprotein,
lactorrhea,
lactoscope,
lactose,
lactosuria,
lactotherapy,
lactotropin,
lactovegetarian,
lacuna
Example sentences from the Web for lactose
British Dictionary definitions for lactose
lactose
/ (ˈlæktəʊs, -təʊz) /
noun
a white crystalline disaccharide occurring in milk and used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and baby foods. Formula: C 12 H 22 O 11
Also called: milk sugar
Medical definitions for lactose
lactose
[ lăk′tōs′ ]
n.
A disaccharide in milk that hydrolyzes to yield glucose and galactose.
milk sugar
A white crystalline substance obtained from whey and used in infant foods and in pharmaceuticals as a diluent and excipient.
milk sugar
Scientific definitions for lactose
lactose
[ lăk′tōs′ ]
A white crystalline disaccharide consisting of a glucose and a galactose molecule, found in milk and used in the manufacture of various other foods. Chemical formula: C12H22O11.
The inability to digest lactose properly is called lactose intolerance. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase and marked by abdominal cramping and other symptoms after ingesting lactose.