xylitol

American  

[zahy-li-tawl, -tol] / ˈzaɪ lɪˌtɔl, -ˌtɒl /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a naturally occurring pentose sugar alcohol, C 5 H 12 O 5 , used as a sugar substitute.

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xylitol British  

/ ˈzaɪlɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. chem an artificial sweetener produced from xylose and used esp in chewing gum. Formula: CH 2 HOH(CHOH) 3 CH 2 OH

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xylitol Scientific  

/ zī′lĭ-tôl′,-tōl′ /

1. A sweet white crystalline alcohol derived from xylose and used as a sugar substitute. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₁₂ O ₅ .

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Etymology

Origin of xylitol

< German Xylit (1891), equivalent to Xyl ( ose ) xylose + -it -ite ¹; see -itol

Example Sentences

The study showed that CANECPI-5 works best when combined with fluoride and xylitol.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

However, isolated polyols — including erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol — are used as sugar-free, low-calorie sweeteners in many food products.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2023

Emergency treatment for a pet with xylitol toxicity involves giving the animal IV fluids containing dextrose to raise its blood glucose level and carefully monitoring its progress.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2022

A recent study found that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol significantly decreased the rate of preterm births in a large group of women in a rural part of Malawi.

From Washington Post • Jul. 29, 2022

Be sure to keep xylitol well away from pets.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2021