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English

dextrin

|dex-trin|

C1

/ˈdɛkstrɪn/

starch derivative

Etymology
Etymology Information

'dextrin' originates from French, specifically the word 'dextrine', where 'dextro-' meant 'right' in Latin, referring to the right-handedness of the molecule.

Historical Evolution

'dextrine' transformed into the modern English word 'dextrin'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to any carbohydrate derived from starch, but over time it evolved to specifically denote a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen.

Dextrin is often used as a thickening agent in food products.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/26 15:22