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xylitol

noun
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xy·​li·​tol | \ ˈzī-lə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce xylitol (audio) , -ˌtōl How to pronounce xylitol (audio) \

Definition of xylitol

: a crystalline alcohol C5H12O5 that is a derivative of xylose, is obtained especially from birch bark, and is used as a sweetener

Examples of xylitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bailey says dogs are more at risk for eating human foods that are toxic, like chocolate or snacks containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener. — Texas A&m University, Houston Chronicle, "PET TALK: Safety tips for an egg-cellent Easter and beyond," 11 Apr. 2020 Those planning to do so should take care that their pets are kept away from the eggs, as many candies contain toxic xylitol or chocolate. — Texas A&m University, Houston Chronicle, "PET TALK: Safety tips for an egg-cellent Easter and beyond," 11 Apr. 2020 Some brands are now using xylitol to sweeten their product. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Fireworks might make the fur fly!," 28 Dec. 2019 Signs of xylitol poisoning include stumbling, shaking, passing out and having a seizure. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: X marks a threat for dogs," 19 Oct. 2019 Other snacks that may cause serious consequences if consumed by a pet include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, and xylitol. — Texas A&m University, Houston Chronicle, "PET TALK: Tips for a pet-safe howliday season," 23 Dec. 2019 When the dog consumes xylitol, the body reacts by producing a big release of insulin. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: X marks a threat for dogs," 19 Oct. 2019 Sugar and the sugar-free ingredient xylitol can make dogs and cats very sick. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, "Don’t push pets to celebrate Halloween," 25 Oct. 2019 Dear Readers: Ingestion of the artificial sweetener xylitol is potentially life-threatening for your dog. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: X marks a threat for dogs," 19 Oct. 2019

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

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First Known Use of xylitol

1891, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of xylitol was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Xylitol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylitol. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for xylitol

xylitol

noun
xy·​li·​tol | \ ˈzī-lə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce xylitol (audio) , -ˌtōl How to pronounce xylitol (audio) \

Medical Definition of xylitol

: a crystalline alcohol C5H12O5 that is a derivative of xylose, is obtained especially from birch bark, and is used as a sweetener

More from Merriam-Webster on xylitol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about xylitol

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