Definition

A type of sugar made from two simpler sugars, fructose and glucose, that is found in many plants and commonly used as a sweetener.

Example

Many people use sucrose as a sweetener in their coffee and tea.

Conversation

Did you know that sucrose is basically table sugar?

Yeah, I heard it's found in a lot of plants too.

Exactly! It's extracted mostly from sugar cane and beets.

That's interesting! I didn't realize it had so many uses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sucrose is formed from "suc" (from French *sucre*, meaning sugar) and "-rose" (from Latin *rosum*, meaning a type of sugar). The word refers to a specific type of sugar, commonly known as table sugar.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sugar' in French ('sucre') to remember that 'sucrose' is a type of sugar.

Visually Confused Words