a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions
Word origin
C19: from dextro- + -an
dextran in American English
(ˈdɛksˌtræn; ˈdɛkstrən)
noun
a chainlike polymer of glucose produced by certain strains of bacteria acting on sucrose, as in sugar-refinery tanks, in various fermentation processes, or in the formation of dental plaque: it is used as a substitute or expander for blood plasma, in confections, etc.