galactose

noun

ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs 

-ˌtōz

: a sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ less soluble and less sweet than glucose

Examples of galactose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Researchers believe people with this condition produce more IgA that is low in the sugar galactose. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2024

During digestion, lactase produced in the lining of the small intestine splits lactose into smaller sugar molecules (known as glucose and galactose) for absorption. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024

Lactose is a disaccharide, meaning it is composed of two types of simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, that are bound together. —Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024

On Friday, the state lab ran its first screen of Garrett's blood, which showed 13 milligrams of galactose. —jsonline.com, 29 Apr. 2022

Generally, lactose-free milk is made by adding the enzyme lactase to regular milk, which breaks down the milk sugar lactose into its two component sugars, glucose and galactose. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 1 Dec. 2021

Lactose is the carbohydrate component of milk – a disaccharide composed of D-glucose and D-galactose. —Science & Food, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2015

This type of linkage makes the sialic acid and galactose stick straight up. —Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from Greek galakt-, gála "milk" + French -ose -ose entry 2; from the occurrence of the sugar in milk — more at galaxy

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

galactose

noun

ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs 

: a sugar that is less easily dissolved and is less sweet than glucose

Medical Definition

galactose

noun

ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs, -ˌtōz 

: an optically active sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ that is less soluble and less sweet than glucose and is known in dextrorotatory, levorotatory, and racemic forms