lactose intolerance /(lăk"tōs` ĭn*tŏl"ẽr*ans)/

lac·tose· in·tol·er·ance

lactose intolerance

n.
  1. A physiological condition in which lactose cannot be hydrolyzed in the intestine, leading to uncomfortable gaseousness, cramps, or diarrhea after eating a lactose-containing food such as milk or ice cream. The symptoms may be prevented by ingesting a preparation of beta-galactosidase before or together with dairy products.