glyceraldehyde

noun

glyc·​er·​al·​de·​hyde ˌgli-sə-ˈral-də-ˌhīd 

: a sweet crystalline compound C₃H₆O₃ that is formed as an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism by the breakdown of sugars and that yields glycerol on reduction

Word History

Etymology

glyceric acid + aldehyde

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

glyceraldehyde

noun

glyc·​er·​al·​de·​hyde ˌglis-ə-ˈral-də-ˌhīd 

: a sweet crystalline compound C₃H₆O₃ that is formed as an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism by the breakdown of sugars and that yields glycerol on reduction