galactose

noun

ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs How to pronounce galactose (audio)
-ˌtōz
: a sugar C6H12O6 less soluble and less sweet than glucose

Examples of galactose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 Avian influenzas prefer a linkage known as an α2,3 linkage, in which the sialic acid binds to the sugar galactose via a specific carbon atom. Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2020 The second is disaccharides, which are just two of these single sugar molecules linked together: sucrose, or table sugar (glucose + fructose); lactose, or milk sugar (glucose + galactose); and maltose, or malt sugar (glucose + glucose). Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 24 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'galactose.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of galactose was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near galactose

Cite this Entry

“Galactose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactose. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

galactose

noun
ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs How to pronounce galactose (audio)
: a sugar that is less easily dissolved and is less sweet than glucose

Medical Definition

galactose

noun
ga·​lac·​tose gə-ˈlak-ˌtōs, -ˌtōz How to pronounce galactose (audio)
: an optically active sugar C6H12O6 that is less soluble and less sweet than glucose and is known in dextrorotatory, levorotatory, and racemic forms

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