Maltose (m&asuml_;ltōs), n. [From Malt.] (Biochem.) A crystalline disaccharide (C12H22O11) formed from starch by the action of diastase of malt, and the amylolytic ferment of saliva and pancreatic juice; called also maltobiose and malt sugar. Chemically it is 4-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-glucose. It rotates the plane of polarized light further to the right than does dextrose and possesses a lower cupric oxide reducing power.
[1913 Webster +PJC]