Ga*lac"tose (?), n. Chem.
A white, crystalline sugar, C6H12O6, isomeric with dextrose, obtained by the decomposition of milk sugar, and also from certain gums. When oxidized it forms mucic acid. Called also lactose (though it is not lactose proper).
<-- lactose is a dimeric form of galactose, converted to galactose by acid or enzymatic activity (beta-galactosidase) -->
© Webster 1913.