xylitol

[ zahy-li-tawl, -tol ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

xylitol

/ 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

xylitol

/ 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of xylitol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xylitol¹

C19: from xyl ( ose ) + -ite ² + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

Trina Hazzah, president and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, told me that many edibles contain other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, like chocolate and xylitol.

From Slate

Q: The dentist recommended xylitol for my dry mouth.

From Seattle Times

A: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is frequently found in dry mouth products and sugarless gum.

From Seattle Times

Biotene contains both sorbitol and xylitol.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times