fructose

noun

fruc·​tose ˈfrək-ˌtōs  ˈfrük-  ˈfru̇k- 

-ˌtōz

1

: a crystalline sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ sweeter and more soluble than glucose

2

: the very sweet levorotatory d-form of fructose that occurs especially in fruit juices and honey

called also fruit sugar, levulose

Examples of fructose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike glucose, fructose does not trigger a strong insulin response or promote satiety, which may lead to overeating. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025

While honey has small amounts of vitamins and minerals, it is primarily composed of water and sugars (mostly fructose), which help maintain its liquid form. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Most contain more than one type of carb—for example, glucose, fructose, and maltodextrin. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025

Research suggests that moderate fructose consumption might help with blood sugar control. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin frūctus fruit entry 1 + -ose entry 2

Note: The term was apparently introduced by the British chemist William Allen Miller (1817-70) in Elements of Chemistry: Theoretical and Practical, Part III, Organic Chemistry (London, 1857), p. 57.

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fructose

noun

fruc·​tose ˈfrək-ˌtōs  ˈfru̇k- 

: a very sweet sugar that dissolves easily and occurs especially in fruit juices and honey

Medical Definition

fructose

noun

fruc·​tose ˈfrək-ˌtōs  ˈfrük-  ˈfru̇k- 

-ˌtōz

1

: an optically active sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ that differs from glucose in having a ketonic rather than an aldehydic carbonyl group

2

: the very sweet soluble levorotatory D-form of fructose that occurs especially in fruit juices and honey

called also levulose