ˈdekˌstran, -_strən noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary dextr- + -an
: any of numerous polysaccharides (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n that yield only glucose on hydrolysis but differ otherwise from starch and glycogen (as in molecular structure): as
a. : any such polysaccharide of very high molecular weight usually obtained by fermentation of sugar with bacteria of the genus Leuconostoc (as L. mesenteroides ) — called also native dextran
b. : any such polysaccharide of reduced molecular weight obtained by controlled acid hydrolysis of native dextran as a white amorphous powder and used especially in physiological saline as a plasma substitute — called also clinical dextran