dextrin

[ dek-strin ]

noun

, Biochemistry, Chemistry.

1. a soluble, gummy substance, formed from starch by the action of heat, acids, or ferments, occurring in various forms and having dextrorotatory properties: used chiefly as a thickening agent in printing inks and food, as a mucilage, and as a substitute for gum arabic and other natural substances.

dextrin

/ ˈdɛkstrɪn; -triːn; ˈdɛkstrɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of sticky substances that are intermediate products in the conversion of starch to maltose: used as thickening agents in foods and as gums

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextrin¹

From the French word dextrine, dating back to 1825–35. See dextr-, -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextrin¹

C19: from French dextrine; see dextro- , -in

Example Sentences

Others state that dextrin, an edible carbohydrate produced from corn or potato starch, is used to make the adhesive.

From Washington Post

The US fought back with tariffs on potato starch, dextrin, brandy and light trucks.

From BBC

It imposed tariffs on brandy, a popular French export, and dextrin and potato starch to hit the Dutch.

From New York Times

The government’s gold seal prompted her to switch from a diet cola, she says, in hopes the fat-absorption properties of the dextrin would help her stay slim.

From Wall Street Journal

They mixed dextrin and water, waiting for it to get goopy, hard and created an interesting scent.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• lactose
• starch
• sugar