: 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
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Some providers may also recommend eliminating gluten and lactose to reduce the body's inflammatory response, which can adversely affect thyroid function.
—
Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
When a pope is elected, there will be white smoke, which is created from a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin, which burns clean and pale.
—Sarah Turner, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Each is sealed off by a dissolvable barrier made from lactose, maltose, and a pH-sensitive polymer that shields it from stomach acid and dissolves only in a more alkaline environment.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
Lassi may help with digestion, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and may be easier to tolerate for people with lactose intolerance.1516
Some research also links it to improved heart health, blood sugar management, and immune system function.1716
8.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lactose
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Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
When a pope is elected, there will be white smoke, which is created from a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin, which burns clean and pale.
—Sarah Turner, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Each is sealed off by a dissolvable barrier made from lactose, maltose, and a pH-sensitive polymer that shields it from stomach acid and dissolves only in a more alkaline environment.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
Lassi may help with digestion, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and may be easier to tolerate for people with lactose intolerance.1516
Some research also links it to improved heart health, blood sugar management, and immune system function.1716
8.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lactose
Cite this Entry
“Lactose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactose. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lactose
noun
lac·tose
ˈlak-ˌtōs 
: 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
lac·tose
ˈlak-ˌtōs, -ˌtōz
: 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
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