lactose

[ lak-tohs ]

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

/ ˈlæktəʊs; -təʊz /

noun

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

lactose

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactose¹

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

Example Sentences

That same charm is on full display in her special “Seasoned Professional,” released in February, which seamlessly ties tender musings on motherhood to cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant.

From Los Angeles Times

In Australia, some producers have begun making alcoholic spirits by fermenting the lactose in whey.

From Salon

But I’m lactose intolerant so I’m going to hit up Magpies.

From Los Angeles Times

The one thing it's missing compared to dairy cheese, she notes, is the milky flavor that lactose would provide.

From Salon

Adding them to the milk while it is still liquid gives the bacteria time to ferment the lactose in the milk.

From Salon

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• starch
• sugar