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

Even 100% fruit juice can cause glucose spikes, research has found. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Some amino acids are very close in structure to glucose and can be easily converted to glucose in the liver. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025

At that research facility, athletes are evaluated using treadmills, glucose monitors, and other technology for how much their sodium levels vary and how quickly the electrolytes and sodium in Gatorade work to replenish them. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

But other drugs and lifestyle interventions that have positive effects on glucose and weight have not demonstrated these types of impressive results, Isaacs points out. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for glucose

• arkose
• engross
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• jocose
• morose
• vadose
• adios
• adipose
• amylose

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