sorbitol

noun

sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio) -ˌtōl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio)
: 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

Examples of sorbitol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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One of the biggest benefits of prune juice is sorbitol, a carbohydrate effective in aiding constipation. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 July 2025 Compared to most other types of fruit, prunes are especially rich in phenolic compounds—antioxidants that may enhance the laxative effects of fiber and sorbitol. Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025 Some types of fresh fruit even contain a significant amount of sorbitol, including apples, pears, peaches, plums, and cherries. Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025 Some popular natural laxatives include: Prunes and prune juice: These contain sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and pectin (a type of dietary fiber). Robert Burakoff, Health, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sorbitol

Word History

Etymology

sorb fruit of the service or related trees + -itol

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sorbitol was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Sorbitol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorbitol. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

sorbitol

noun
sor·​bi·​tol ˈsȯr-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio) -ˌtōl How to pronounce sorbitol (audio)
: a faintly sweet alcohol C6H14O6 that occurs especially in fruits of the mountain ash (genus Sorbus), is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant, a softener, and a sweetener and in making ascorbic acid

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