reducing sugar

re·duc·ing sug·ar

a sugar (for example, glucose in the urine) that has the property of reducing various inorganic ions, notably cupric ion to cuprous ion.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

reducing sugar

a sugar containing free aldehyde (H -C=O) or keto (C=O) groups capable of reducing metal ions such as Cu+ and Ag+. Reducing sugars such as glucose and fructose will reduce solutions in Benedict's test and FEHLING'S TEST.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005