lactose

American  

[lak-tohs] / ˈlæk toʊs /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a disaccharide, C 12 H 22 O 11 , present in milk, that upon hydrolysis yields glucose and galactose.

2. 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.

---

lactose British  

/ ˈlæktəʊs, -təʊz /

noun

1. Also called: milk sugar.  a white crystalline disaccharide occurring in milk and used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and baby foods. Formula: C 12 H 22 O 11

---

lactose Scientific  

/ lăk′tōs′ /

1. 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: C ₁₂ H ₂₂ O ₁₁ .

2. 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of lactose

First recorded in 1855–60; lact- + -ose ²

Example Sentences

However, there will also be a "lactose allowance" to account for the naturally occurring sugars in milk.

From BBC

The government has consulted on introducing a 'lactose allowance' to account for the natural sugars in the milk content of these drinks.

From BBC

The team at Verley, a French startup, will then purify the protein, including extracting the lactose.

From BBC

Plant-based milks, despite existing for millennia, rose to global popularity amid the 21st century due to growing concerns of lactose intolerance and the environmental impacts of dairy.

From Salon

They argue a lack of lactose, no cholesterol and lower amounts of saturated fats in lab-made cheese can boost its health benefits - and that any cheese is processed.

From BBC

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• starch
• sugar