dextran

dex·tran

noun \ˈdek-ˌstran, -strən\

Definition of DEXTRAN

: any of numerous biopolymers (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n of variable molecular weight that are produced especially by the fermentation of sucrose by bacteria of the genus Leuconostoc (as L. mesenteroides), are found in dental plaque, and are used especially after suitable chemical modification as blood plasma substitutes, as packing materials in chromatography, and as pharmaceutical agents—compare levan