sorbitol
nounUK /ˈsɔː.bɪ.tɒl/ · US /ˈsɔɹ.bɪˌtɔl/
Etymology From earlier sorbite (from sorb + -ite) + -ol. By surface analysis, sorb + -itol.
1
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Natural sciences, Physical sciences 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.
- Synonyms
- E420
- Hypernyms
- sugar alcohol