Definition

A type of long-chain sugar molecule made from glucose, used in food products, medical applications, and as a thickening agent.

Example

Dextran is often used in medical treatments to help increase blood volume.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of dextran?

Yeah, isn’t it used in some medical applications?

Exactly! It's also found in certain foods and candies.

That's interesting — I had no idea it was that versatile!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dextran is derived from the French word 'dextrane', which comes from 'dextrose' (a type of sugar) and the suffix '-an', indicating a substance. The word refers to a polysaccharide that is produced by certain bacteria from glucose.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dextrose', a type of sugar, to remember that 'dextran' is a substance made from sugar.

Visually Confused Words