| 1. | Biochemistry. a disaccharide, C12H22O11, present in milk, that upon hydrolysis yields glucose and galactose. |
| 2. | a white, crystalline, sweet, water-soluble commercial form of this compound, obtained from whey and used in infant feedings, in confections and other foods, in bacteriological media, and in pharmacology as a diluent and excipient. |
| sugar of milk n. Lactose. |
lactose lac·tose (lāk'tōs')
n.
A disaccharide in milk that hydrolyzes to yield glucose and galactose. Also called milk sugar.
A white crystalline substance obtained from whey and used in infant foods and in pharmaceuticals as a diluent and excipient. Also called milk sugar.
lactose (lāk'tōs') Pronunciation Key
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