gluconeogenesis

noun

glu·​co·​neo·​gen·​e·​sis ˌglü-kə-ˌnē-ə-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce gluconeogenesis (audio)
: formation of glucose within the animal body especially by the liver from substances (such as fats and proteins) other than carbohydrates

Examples of gluconeogenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Normally, when the body has finished digesting and is entering a fasting state, a molecule known as glucagon gets released, this then stimulates the liver to take the glycogen and turn it into usable glucose through a process known as gluconeogenesis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023 That's because your body uses a metabolic pathway called gluconeogenesis, according to the National Library of Medicine. Christine Byrne, Health, 11 Apr. 2023 The backward flow—taking up two three-carbon molecules to make a sugar—is called gluconeogenesis. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2023 In hummingbirds, loss of a key gene in gluconeogenesis makes their muscles very efficient at breaking down sugars for energy, a requirement for hovering flight. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2023 In other words, the body destroys muscle to make glucose and the process is called gluconeogenesis. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 June 2022 Glucagon also initiates a process known as gluconeogenesis, which is the synthesis of glucose from nondietary sources. Mckale Montgomery, The Conversation, 19 May 2022 The peripheral nerves connect to the brain, which regulates gluconeogenesis in the intestine, illustrating the existence of an active bi-directional gut–brain axis making a positive contribution to our energy balance. Enea Rezzonico, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2015 Butyrate feeds the colon and induces glucose synthesis in the intestine (intestinal gluconeogenesis), which enters the circulation. Enea Rezzonico, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gluconeogenesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gluconeogenesis was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near gluconeogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Gluconeogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluconeogenesis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

gluconeogenesis

noun
glu·​co·​neo·​gen·​e·​sis ˌglü-kə-ˌnē-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce gluconeogenesis (audio)
plural gluconeogeneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce gluconeogenesis (audio)
: formation of glucose within the animal body from precursors other than carbohydrates especially by the liver and kidney using amino acids from proteins, glycerol from fats, or lactate produced by muscle during anaerobic glycolysis

called also glyconeogenesis

gluconeogenic adjective

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