/lev"yeuh lin"ik, lev'-/ , Chem.
a white or colorless, water-soluble solid, C 5 H 8 O 3 , produced by the hydrolysis of cane sugar, starch, or cellulose; used chiefly in the organic synthesis of nylon, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
[ LEVUL(OSE) + -IN 2 + -IC ]