lactose /lak″tos/ [L, lac + Gk, glykys, sweet] , a disaccharide found in the milk of all mammals. On hydrolysis, lactose yields the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. Lactose is used as a laxative, a diuretic, and a component of formulas for infants. Also called lactin, milk sugar. See also lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, sugar.
