/zuy"lohs/ , n. Chem.
a colorless, crystalline pentose sugar, C 5 H 10 O 5 , derived from xylan, straw, corncobs, etc., by treating with heated dilute sulfuric acid, and dehydrating to furfural if stronger acid is used.
[ 1890-95; xýl ( on ) wood + -OSE 2 ]