Xyloses are a type of sugar that occurs naturally in plants. There are a number of synonyms for xyloses, including xylans, xylanoids, xylitol, and xylooligosaccharides. Xylans are large, complex carbohydrates found in the cell walls of many plants, while xylanoids are compounds that are derived from xylans. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is derived from xyloses and is often used in sugar-free gum and other products. Finally, xylooligosaccharides are short chains of xyloses that are often used as prebiotics, which can promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. These synonyms are important to know for those who study plant biology or work in the food industry.