mannitol

noun

man·​ni·​tol ˈma-nə-ˌtȯl 

-ˌtōl

: a slightly sweet crystalline alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ found in many plants and used especially as a diuretic and in testing kidney function

Examples of mannitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sorbitol, mannitol, and maltitol are among the most likely to cause problems, since they’re not well absorbed and can have osmotic effects. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2026

Great taste and no zylitol, mannitol or sorbitol which has a laxative effect. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

Plus, it was all cut with mannitol. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

mannite + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mannitol

noun

man·​ni·​tol ˈman-ə-ˌtȯl  -ˌtōl 

: a slightly sweet crystalline alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ found in many plants and used especially as a diuretic and in testing kidney function