Benedict's solution

noun

Ben·​e·​dict's solution ˈbe-nə-ˌdik(t)s- 

: a blue solution containing a carbonate, citrate, and sulfate which yields a red, yellow, or orange precipitate upon warming with a sugar (such as glucose) that is a reducing agent

Word History

Etymology

Stanley Rossiter Benedict †1936 American chemist

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Benedict's solution

noun

Ben·​e·​dict's solution ˈben-ə-ˌdik(t)s- 

: a blue liquid that is used to detect some sugars (as glucose) with which it reacts when warmed to produce a red, yellow, or orange solid that separates from the liquid

Medical Definition

Benedict's solution

noun

Ben·​e·​dict's solution ˈben-ə-ˌdik(t)(s)- 

: a blue solution that contains sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, and copper sulfate CuSO₄ and is used to test for reducing sugars in Benedict's test