lactose
|lac-tose|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈlæk.toʊs/
🇬🇧
/ˈlæk.təʊs/
milk sugar
Etymology
Etymology Information
'lactose' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'lac,' where 'lac' meant 'milk.'
Historical Evolution
'lactose' changed from the French word 'lactose' and eventually became the modern English word 'lactose'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'milk sugar,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sugar present in milk, which is a disaccharide containing glucose and galactose units.
Lactose is broken down by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35