trehalose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “trehalose” mean?
A disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules.
Used as a sweetener and stabilizer in food and pharmaceuticals due to its non-reducing and protective properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both varieties employ it in technical and scientific contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, with associations to science, industry, and natural preservation.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday language but common in specialized fields such as biotechnology and nutrition.
Grammar
How to Use “trehalose” in a Sentence
trehalose is used in [noun phrase]the [noun] of trehalosetrehalose acts as [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trehalose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers extracted trehalose from fungal samples for analysis.
American English
- Manufacturers incorporate trehalose to improve product stability.
adverb
British English
- Trehalose is commonly applied in food preservation methods.
American English
- Trehalose functions effectively under extreme conditions.
adjective
British English
- The trehalose concentration was measured using chromatography.
American English
- Check for trehalose content in the ingredient list.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Utilized in the food industry for product stabilization and as a natural sweetener to enhance shelf life.
Academic
Frequently studied in biochemistry and molecular biology for its role in organismal stress tolerance and cryopreservation.
Everyday
Rarely mentioned; might arise in discussions about food additives, health products, or natural sugars.
Technical
Common in scientific literature and technical manuals focusing on carbohydrates, enzymology, and preservation techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trehalose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trehalose”
- Mispronouncing as /trɛˈhæloʊs/ or confusing it with sucrose or maltose due to similar sugar properties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, trehalose is naturally found in various plants, fungi, insects, and microorganisms.
Yes, it is used in baking as a sweetener and to retain moisture, improving texture and shelf life.
Trehalose has a lower glycemic index than sucrose, but individuals with diabetes should consult healthcare professionals regarding its use.
Trehalose is more stable and less sweet than sucrose, and it has unique protective properties that make it useful in preservation and stress resistance.
A disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules.
Trehalose is usually technical in register.
Trehalose: in British English it is pronounced /triːˈheɪləʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /triːˈheɪloʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tree' and 'halo' – trehalose forms a protective halo around cells, often found in trees (plants) and fungi.
Conceptual Metaphor
Trehalose as a shield, safeguarding organisms from environmental stresses like drought or heat.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key property of trehalose?