Dextran Definition

dĕkstrăn, -strən
noun
A chainlike polymer of glucose produced by certain strains of bacteria acting on sucrose, as in sugar-refinery tanks, in various fermentation processes, or in the formation of dental plaque: it is used as a substitute or expander for blood plasma, in confections, etc.
Webster's New World
Any of a group of branched polysaccharides with various molecular weights that are used to prevent thrombosis, as plasma volume expanders, and as food additives.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Dextran

Noun

Singular:
dextran
Plural:
dextrans

Origin of Dextran

  • dextr(ose) –an

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • dextr(ose) –an

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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dextran