dextran

[ dek-struhn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a viscous polysaccharide, composed of dextrose, produced by bacterial action on sucrose: used in confections and lacquers and in medicine chiefly as an extender for blood plasma.

dextran

/ ˈdɛkstrən /

noun

1. biochem a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextran¹

First recorded in 1875–80; dextr(ose) + an(hydride) ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dextran¹

C19: from dextro- + -an

Example Sentences

Lichenin, para dextran, and para isodextran are dextrosans which have been isolated from various lower plants.

From Project Gutenberg