lactose

noun

lac·​tose ˈlak-ˌtōs 

-ˌtōz

: a disaccharide sugar C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ that is present in milk and yields glucose and galactose upon hydrolysis and yields especially lactic acid upon fermentation

Examples of lactose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But health workers told CNN there are few alternatives, with shortages of lactose free or soya milk for infants. —Abdel Qadder Sabbah, CNN, 25 June 2024

Unlike classic butter, ghee does not contain casein or lactose because the milk solids have been removed through the clarifying process. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 20 June 2024

As an extra precaution, many brands also add lactase to their product to make sure not even trace amounts of lactose remain. —Audrey Bruno, SELF, 20 June 2024

Milk contains lactose, a type of sugar, along with protein and fat, which slow the stomach's emptying of fluid and therefore extends the hydration period. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing lactose

• lactose intolerant

Kids Definition

lactose

noun

lac·​tose ˈlak-ˌtōs 

: a sugar present in milk that breaks down to give glucose and galactose and on fermentation gives especially lactic acid

called also milk sugar

Medical Definition

lactose

noun

lac·​tose ˈlak-ˌtōs, -ˌtōz 

: a disaccharide sugar C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ that is present in milk, yields glucose and galactose upon hydrolysis, yields especially lactic acid upon fermentation, and is used chiefly in foods, medicines, and culture media (as for the manufacture of penicillin)

called also milk sugar