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trehalose

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noun tre·ha·lose \ tri-ˈhä-ˌlōs , -ˌlōz \

Definition of trehalose

:a crystalline disaccharide C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ that is found in various organisms (such as fungi and insects), is about half as sweet as sucrose, and is sometimes used as a sweetener in commercially prepared foods

Recent Examples of trehalose from the Web

Scientists previously believed that tardigrades survive desiccation by using a sugar called trehalose found in other creatures that can complete such a feat, including brine shrimp, yeast and tree frogs.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "How the Remarkable Tardigrade Springs Back to Life after Drying Out," 20 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trehalose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of trehalose

International Scientific Vocabulary trehala, a sweet substance constituting the pupal covering of a beetle + ²-ose

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1862

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Medical Dictionary

trehalose

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noun tre·ha·lose \ -ˈhäl-ˌōs, -ˌōz \

medical Definition of trehalose

:a crystalline disaccharide C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ stored instead of starch by many fungi and found in the blood of many insects

Learn More about trehalose

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trehalose

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