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lactose

[ lak-tohs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Biochemistry. a disaccharide, C 12 H 22 O 11 , present in milk, that upon hydrolysis yields glucose and galactose.
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.

lactose

/ ˈlæktəʊs; -təʊz /

noun

a white crystalline disaccharide occurring in milk and used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and baby foods. Formula: C 12 H 22 O 11 Also calledmilk sugar

lactose

A white crystalline disaccharide consisting of a glucose and a galactose molecule, found in milk and used in the manufacture of various other foods. Chemical formula: C 12 H 22 O 11 .
The inability to digest lactose properly is called lactose intolerance . It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase and marked by abdominal cramping and other symptoms after ingesting lactose.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of lactose¹

First recorded in 1855–60; lact- + -ose ²

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

At one time or another, you've probably come across someone who is lactose intolerant and might experience some unpleasant gut symptoms if they have dairy.

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First, they analyzed genetic data from over 542,000 women and focused on variants — tiny changes in DNA — associated with lactase persistence, the ability to digest lactose in adulthood.

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There have also been claims that it's better for those with lactose intolerance, asthma, and allergies.

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With more than a third of US consumers lactose intolerant, this market will need to double just to address our basic health requirements.

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That same charm is on full display in her special “Seasoned Professional,” released in February, which seamlessly ties tender musings on motherhood to cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant.

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Related Words

lactoscope lactosuria

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