Lactose

/ˈlæk.toʊs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sugar present in milk and dairy products, consisting of one glucose and one galactose molecule.

Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in milk.

A disaccharide that is broken down in the body by the enzyme lactase.

People who are lactose intolerant have difficulty digesting lactose.

A common additive in processed foods that contain dairy.

Many processed foods, even those that are not dairy-based, can contain lactose.

A source of energy for certain bacteria in the intestines.

In some gut bacteria, lactose serves as a fermentable carbohydrate.

From the Latin 'lac' meaning 'milk' and the suffix '-ose' used to denote sugars.

lactose intolerance:

A condition in which the body cannot easily digest lactose.

lactose-free:

Products that have been processed to remove lactose.

Lactose bomb

I just had a lactose bomb for breakfast with that cream cheese!

Dairy demon

I can't eat ice cream; my lactose sensitivity turns me into a dairy demon.