dextran

noun

dex·​tran ˈdek-stran How to pronounce dextran (audio)
-strən
: any of numerous glucose biopolymers of variable molecular weight that are produced especially by the fermentation of sucrose by bacteria (such as genus Leuconostoc), are found in dental plaque, and are used especially in blood plasma substitutes

Examples of dextran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are also newer formulations of iron by injection, which are sometimes necessary and don’t have near as much potential for a reaction as the old iron dextran injections. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 12 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dextran.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dextran was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near dextran

Cite this Entry

“Dextran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextran. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

dextran

noun
dex·​tran ˈdek-ˌstran How to pronounce dextran (audio) -strən How to pronounce dextran (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dextran

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!