glucose

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noun glu·cose \ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz\

Definition of glucose

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

See glucose defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of glucose from the Web

Vigorous activity was linked to better glucose metabolism in one brain region—

— amanda macmillan, Time, "How Exercise May Protect the Brain From Alzheimer’s Disease", 26 June 2017
In stark contrast, healthy complex carbs digest slowly and the resulting glucose does not charge into the bloodstream.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "Yes, there are good carbs. Here's what to eat, and the ones to avoid", 22 June 2017
The brain and central nervous system’s preferred energy source is glucose.

— angel biasatti, star-telegram, "Staying energized all day long, the healthy way", 20 June 2017
Meanwhile, completely non-invasive methods for measuring glucose that don’t involve finger pricking to get a drop of blood are under development.

— despina moschou, Scientific American, "How Close Are We to a Real Star Trek-Style Medical Tricorder?", 16 June 2017
The person’s blood-glucose monitor would do likewise.

— david lazarus, latimes.com, "'Alexa, what's my blood sugar level and how much insulin should I take?'", 9 June 2017
During a recent home visit, Miller refilled Brian's weekly pill counter and checked the readout on his blood glucose monitor.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Centers for Families and Children offer pharmacist home visits (photos, video)", 31 May 2017
This prevents glucose from entering cells, and blood sugar levels remain high.

— dorothy kieffer, sacbee, "Eat fat to lose weight? Scientists say it’s the smart thing to do", 29 May 2017
Ethan wears a glucose sensor as well, but Ketch has proven more reliable, Ethan’s mom, Christina Amara, said.

— scott travis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Kid's best friend: Dog gets yearbook photo at Frontier Elementary", 26 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glucose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of glucose

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

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First Known Use: 1840

See Words from the same year

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, keratin, metabolism

GLUCOSE Defined for English Language Learners

glucose

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noun

Definition of glucose for English Language Learners

: a type of sugar that is found in plants and fruits

GLUCOSE Defined for Kids

glucose

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noun glu·cose \ˈglü-ˌkōs\

Definition of glucose for Students

: a sugar in plant saps and fruits that is the usual form in which carbohydrate is taken in by the animal body and used as a source of energy

Medical Dictionary

glucose

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noun glu·cose \ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz\

Medical Definition of glucose

: 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