glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

-ˌkōz

1

: a crystalline sugar C₆H₁₂O₆

specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals

2

: a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

Examples of glucose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lower levels correlate with better longevity. glucose: With age, blood sugar stays higher for longer after meals. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

The other half got an online blood glucose and insulin log, as well as an Alexa that would remind them every day to complete that log. —Simar Bajaj, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

Respiratory system Respiratory system Nervous system Nervous system People get energy primarily by turning carbohydrates into glucose, which is processed in the liver and distributed throughout the body, especially to the brain. —Lauren Weber, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Glucose metabolism refers to how the body processes and utilizes glucose (sugar) for energy. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

However, it’s produced through a unique process called double parallel fermentation, where starches in rice are broken down into sugars, while yeast simultaneously converts the glucose to alcohol. —Shana Clarke, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024

Both Victoza and Saxenda increase the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to glucose, allowing the pancreas to function more effectively in removing glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. —David Snyder, Verywell Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Scientists have found that the clocks are involved in pathways that use sugar for energy and in transporting that glucose from outside the cell to inside. —Will Stone, NPR, 29 Mar. 2024

In comparison, a recent glucose fuel cell achieved less than 0.6 V, but a maximum power density of 43 µW/cm2. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Greek gleukos must, sweet wine; akin to Greek glykys sweet — more at dulcet

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glucose

• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Kids Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

: a sugar that occurs especially in a naturally occurring form that is found in plants, fruits, and blood and is a source of energy for living things

Medical Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz 

: an optically active sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ that has an aldehydic carbonyl group

especially : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals