dextrose
UK[ˈdɛkstrəʊz]US[ˈdɛkstroʊs]
n
A simple sugar that is the form of glucose typically found in food, especially in fruits and honey.
Morpheme Breakdown
dextr
ose
dextr
right
ose
sugar
Etymology
The name 'dextrose' originates from the specific optical activity of the sugar molecule. In Latin, dexter means "right" or "on the right side." When polarized light is passed through a solution of this form of glucose, it rotates the plane of light to the right, or in a dextrorotatory direction. The suffix '-ose' is the standard chemical suffix used to denote sugars, as seen in 'sucrose,' 'lactose,' and 'fructose.' Therefore, 'dextrose' literally means "right-turning sugar," a name that directly describes its physical property rather than its chemical composition.
Analysis
Structure: dextr (right) + ose (sugar)
dextr: from Latin dexter (right, on the right side). ose: a chemical suffix, especially for sugars, from the French adaptation of the Latin suffix -osus (full of).
Examples
Dextrose is often used in medical settings to provide quick energy intravenously.
Many sports drinks contain dextrose for rapid carbohydrate replenishment.
The candy was sweetened primarily with dextrose derived from corn.