lactose

noun

lac·​tose ˈlak-ˌtōs How to pronounce lactose (audio)
-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 This often occurs because the damage gluten causes to the small intestine can reduce lactase production, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 5 Oct. 2024 Some probiotics have prebiotics added, and some contain lactose. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Health, 16 Sep. 2024 Hard and semi-hard cheeses have lower lactose in them. Merve Ceylan, Health, 24 July 2024 Enzyme lactase: These medications, like Lactaid or Dairy Ease, are meant to help people with lactose intolerance digest foods with lactose and might help prevent protein farting related to lactose. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lactose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactose was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near lactose

Cite this Entry

“Lactose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactose. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lactose

noun
lac·​tose ˈlak-ˌtōs How to pronounce lactose (audio)
: 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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on lactose

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