sorbitol

/ˈsɔɹ.bɪˌtɔl/

UK: /ˈsɔː.bɪ.tɒl/

SƆɹ · bɪtɔl (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A faintly sweet alcohol C₆H₁₄O₆ that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid.

Etymology

From earlier sorbite (from sorb + -ite) + -ol. By surface analysis, sorb + -itol.