any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance

a monosaccharide sugar that has several forms; an important source of physiological energy, The trade name of a sirup, obtained as an uncrystallizable reside in the manufacture of glucose proper, and containing, in addition to some dextrose or glucose, also maltose, dextrin, etc It is used as a cheap adulterant of sirups, beers, etc, A colorless to yellowish syrupy mixture of dextrose, maltose, and dextrins containing about 20 percent water, used in confectionery, alcoholic fermentation, tanning, and treating tobacco