variants or less commonly dextrine
: any of various water-soluble gummy polysaccharides (C6H10O5)n obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or enzymes and used as adhesives, as sizes for paper and textiles, as thickening agents (as in syrups), and in beer

Examples of dextrin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Each group's diet also consisted of either 10% cellulose (control), pectin, beta-glucan, wheat dextrin or resistant starch. New Atlas, 22 July 2024 Made with wheat dextrin, Benefiber contains only soluble fiber and delivers three grams per two-teaspoon serving. Christine Byrne, Men's Health, 13 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

French dextrine, from dextr-

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dextrin was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Dextrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextrin. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: any of various soluble gummy polysaccharides (C6H10O5)n obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or enzymes and used as adhesives, as sizes for paper and textiles, as thickening agents (as in syrups), and in beer

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