LACTOSE - Definition

Pronunciation:		'laktows
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WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk; "cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose"

	Synonyms:	milk sugar

	See Also:	disaccharide

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Lac"tose`\, n. 1. (Physiol. Chem.) Sugar of milk or milk sugar; a crystalline sugar present in milk, and separable from the whey by evaporation and crystallization. It has a slightly sweet taste, is dextrorotary, and is much less soluble in water than either cane sugar or glucose. Formerly called {lactin}. 2. (Chem.) See {Galactose}.

Medical Dictionary

	Definition:	sugar found in milk, which the body breaks down into galactose and glucose.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	A type of disaccharide which is composed of the monosaccharides galactose and glucose linked together. It has the chemical formula of C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁. It is found in dairy products.