Definition

Noun: 1. A disaccharide sugar: A specific type of sugar found exclusively in milk and dairy products. Chemically, it is composed of one molecule of glucose linked to one molecule of galactose. * Scientific Context: "Milk sugar" is the common name for the carbohydrate lactose.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The enzyme lactase is needed to digest milk sugar properly.
  • Some people have an intolerance to milk sugar.
  • The recipe calls for a reduction in milk sugar for a less sweet product.

Advanced Usage

• "to be intolerant to milk sugar": to have difficulty digesting lactose, often leading to gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Individuals who are intolerant to milk sugar may choose lactose-free dairy alternatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Lactose (n): The biochemical name for milk sugar. This is the precise term used in scientific, medical, and nutritional contexts.
  • The nutritional label lists the amount of lactose per serving.
• Lactase (n): The enzyme required to break down milk sugar in the digestive system.
  • Lactase supplements can help people digest milk sugar.

Synonyms

• Lactose: This is the direct synonym and the more formal, scientific term.

Related Phrases

• Lactose intolerance (n): A condition characterized by the inability to fully digest milk sugar due to insufficient lactase enzyme.
  • Lactose intolerance is a common reason people avoid dairy.
• Lactose-free (adj): Describing a product from which the milk sugar has been removed or pre-digested.
  • She buys lactose-free milk to avoid digestive issues.

Noun

1. a sugar comprising one glucose molecule linked to a galactose molecule; occurs only in milk
   • cow's milk contains about 4.7% lactose