Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

lactide

noun
Save Word
lac·​tide | \ ˈlakˌtīd, -tə̇d \
plural -s

Definition of lactide

1 : a crystalline dilactone C6H8O4 formed from two molecules of lactic acid by self-esterification
2 : a dilactone formed from an alpha-hydroxy acid other than lactic acid

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for lactide

International Scientific Vocabulary lact- + anhydride; probably originally formed in French

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about lactide

Statistics for lactide

Cite this Entry

“Lactide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactide. Accessed 23 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Comments on lactide

What made you want to look up lactide? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

bogart

Listen to the pronunciation of bogart

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

  • shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white pink or bluish flowers
  • Name that flower
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games