laevulose

Levulose Lev"u*lose` (l[e^]v"[-u]*l[=o]s`), n. [See {Levo-}.] (Chem.) A sirupy variety of sugar, rarely obtained crystallized, occurring widely in honey, ripe fruits, etc., and hence called also {fruit sugar}; also called {fructose}. Chemical formula: {C6H12O6}. It is called levulose, because it rotates the plane of polarization of light to the left, in contrast to {dextrose}, the other product of the hydrolysis of sucrose. [Written also {l[ae]vulose}.] [1913 Webster +PJC]

Note: It is obtained, together with an equal quantity of dextrose, by the inversion of ordinary cane or beet sugar, and hence, as being an ingredient of invert sugar, is often so called. It is fermentable, nearly as sweet as cane sugar, and is metameric with dextrose. Cf. {Dextrose}. [1913 Webster]