Dextrin

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Dextrin \Dex"trin\, n. [Cf. F. dextrine, G. dextrin. See
     {Dexter}.] (Chem.)
     A translucent, gummy, amorphous substance, nearly tasteless
     and odorless, used as a substitute for gum, for sizing, etc.,
     and obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or
     diastase. It is of somewhat variable composition, containing


     several carbohydrates which change easily to their respective
     varieties of sugar. It is so named from its rotating the
     plane of polarization to the right; -- called also {British
     gum}, {Alsace gum}, {gommelin}, {leiocome}, etc. See
     {Achroodextrin}, and {Erythrodextrin}.
     [1913 Webster]