sorbitol

[ sawr-bi-tawl, -tol ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, sweet, water-soluble powder, C 6 H 8 (OH) 6 , occurring in cherries, plums, pears, seaweed, and many berries, obtained by the breakdown of dextrose and used as a sugar substitute for diabetics and in the manufacture of vitamin C, synthetic resins, candy, varnishes, etc.; sorbol.

sorbitol

/ ˈsɔːbɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. a white water-soluble crystalline alcohol with a sweet taste, found in certain fruits and berries and manufactured by the catalytic hydrogenation of sucrose: used as a sweetener ( E420 ) and in the manufacture of ascorbic acid and synthetic resins. Formula: C 6 H 8 (OH) 6

sorbitol

/ sôr′bĭ-tôl′,-tōl′ /

1. A white, sweetish, crystalline alcohol found in various berries and fruits or prepared synthetically. It is used as a flavoring agent, a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, and a moisturizer in cosmetics and other products. Chemical formula: C 6 H 14 O 6 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorbitol¹

First recorded in 1890–95; sorb ¹ + -itol

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorbitol¹

C19: from sorb + -itol