ˈsȯ(r)bəˌtan noun
( -s )
Etymology: sorbit ol + -an
: an inner anhydride C 6 H 12 O 5 of sorbitol: as
a. : a synthetic compound made by chemical dehydration of sorbitol and used in making fatty acid esters (as the mono-oleate) and then ethers (as with a polyethylene glycol) for use as emulsifiers and wetting agents; 1,4-anhydro- d -glucitol — called also 1,4-sorbitan
b. : polygalitol