/dek"strin/ , n. Biochem., Chem.
a soluble, gummy substance, formed from starch by the action of heat, acids, or ferments, occurring in various forms and having dextrorotatory properties: used chiefly as a thickening agent in printing inks and food, as a mucilage, and as a substitute for gum arabic and other natural substances.
Also, dextrine /dek"strin, -streen/ . Also called British gum .
[ 1825-35; dextrine. See DEXTR-, -IN 2 ]