dextrose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Scientific / Medical / Food Industry
Quick answer
What does “dextrose” mean?
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source in living organisms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source in living organisms; it is the form of glucose that rotates polarized light to the right (dextrorotatory).
A commercially produced form of glucose, often derived from starch (especially corn starch), used as a sweetener, in intravenous fluids, in baking, and in food processing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical domains in both BrE and AmE. Equally rare in everyday casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “dextrose” in a Sentence
[dextrose] + [noun] (e.g., dextrose solution)[noun] + [of] + [dextrose] (e.g., a solution of dextrose)[verb] + [dextrose] (e.g., administer dextrose)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the food manufacturing industry, e.g., 'The contract specifies a price for corn-derived dextrose.'
Academic
Used in biochemistry, physiology, and food science papers, e.g., 'The metabolism of dextrose was measured under anaerobic conditions.'
Everyday
Primarily found on ingredient lists of processed foods and drinks, e.g., 'This sports drink contains dextrose for quick energy.'
Technical
Core term in medical treatment (IV fluids), sports nutrition, and industrial food production, e.g., 'Prepare a 5% dextrose saline drip for the patient.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dextrose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dextrose”
- Misspelling as 'dextrose' (adding an extra 'r').
- Using it as a general term for 'sugar' instead of specifically for glucose.
- Pronouncing the final syllable as /roʊz/ (like 'rose') in careful speech; it is /roʊs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dextrose is a specific type of sugar (glucose). Common table sugar is sucrose, which is made of one glucose and one fructose molecule. So, while all dextrose is a sugar, not all sugar is dextrose.
It is used because it is a simple sugar that can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream to provide immediate energy and help maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
Like any simple sugar, consumed in excessive amounts it can contribute to health issues like weight gain and blood sugar spikes. In controlled amounts or medical contexts, it is beneficial and essential.
It is primarily produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch, most commonly from maize (corn), which is why it is sometimes called 'corn sugar'.
A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source in living organisms.
Dextrose is usually technical / scientific / medical / food industry in register.
Dextrose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdekstrəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdekstroʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DEXTER' meaning 'right-handed'. Dextrose is the form of glucose that rotates light to the RIGHT.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS FUEL (Dextrose is a fuel for the body's cells).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the term 'dextrose' MOST likely to be used?