dextran: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “dextran” mean?
A complex polysaccharide polymer composed of glucose molecules, primarily produced by certain bacteria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complex polysaccharide polymer composed of glucose molecules, primarily produced by certain bacteria.
In medical and biotechnical contexts, a branched glucan used as a plasma volume expander, in drug delivery systems, and as a stationary phase in chromatography.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, confined to relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “dextran” in a Sentence
Dextran is conjugated with ~~ is coated with dextranThe solution contains ~% dextranDextran acts as a ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dextran” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The dextran used in this study was sourced from Sigma-Aldrich.
- A severe anaphylactic reaction to the dextran infusion was recorded.
- The researchers characterised the novel dextran's molecular weight.
American English
- The dextran solution is administered intravenously to maintain blood volume.
- They patented a new method for cross-linking dextran.
- Dextran-coated nanoparticles showed enhanced circulation time.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in pharmaceutical/biotech company reports or investment materials.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, and materials science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in laboratory protocols, medical device manuals, pharmaceutical formulation documents, and clinical trial reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dextran”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dextran”
- Misspelling as 'dextrin' or 'dextron'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a dextran') instead of an uncountable/mass noun.
- Incorrect pluralization ('dextrans' is acceptable when referring to different types).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While widely used, dextran can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some individuals, particularly with high molecular weight preparations. A hapten-dextran conjugate test dose is often recommended.
Commercial dextran is primarily biosynthesized by fermenting sucrose with bacteria such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides or Streptococcus mutans.
Dextran is a polymer of glucose with primarily α-1,6 linkages and branches, produced by bacteria. Dextrin is a smaller, less complex polymer produced by the partial hydrolysis of starch (from plants) and has different chemical and physical properties.
Yes, but for different purposes. High molecular weight dextran is not absorbed and can be used as a soluble dietary fiber or a component of drug tablets. Low molecular weight dextrans are used clinically and are administered intravenously.
A complex polysaccharide polymer composed of glucose molecules, primarily produced by certain bacteria.
Dextran is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Dextran: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɛkstrən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɛkstrən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"DEXTRAN" = DEXterous TRAnsformer: Think of it as a flexible (dextrous) molecule that transforms (or is transformed) for different medical uses like drug delivery.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SCAFFOLD/BACKBONE (for building drug delivery systems); A SPONGE/VOLUME EXPANDER (for increasing plasma volume).
Practice
Quiz
In which application is dextran NOT typically used?