sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl 

-ˌtōl

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid

Examples of sorbitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sugar alcohols like erythritol, mannitol and sorbitol, plus dehydration, caffeine and alcoholic beverages have also been shown to cause stomach issues and pain in some people. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024

Foods containing artificial sweeteners (particularly sugar alcohols, like sorbitol, mannitol, and glycerol) can also dial up the gas in your GI tract and lead to bloating. —Marygrace Taylor, SELF, 2 May 2024

Colgate, a major toothpaste maker, lists saccharine and sorbitol as common sweetening agents. —Nena Farrell, WIRED, 21 Apr. 2024

Some also contain non-nutritive sweeteners such as monk fruit or stevia, artificial sweeteners like sucralose, and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. —Tamar Kane, Ms, Rd, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees + -itol

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs especially in fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus), is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant, a softener, and a sweetener and in making ascorbic acid