glucose

noun glu·cose \ ˈglü-ˌkōs , -ˌkōz \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

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

See glucose defined for kids

Recent Examples of glucose from the Web

Previously, Arizona statutes allowed people to access a few tests, like blood glucose checks, from labs without a doctor's order.

— rachel leingang, azcentral, "Theranos experimented on Arizonans with faulty blood tests, book says," 7 June 2018
Medical screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks.

— michelle mullins, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin News Digest," 1 June 2018
Finding a way to track glucose without puncturing the skin would be fantastic — if very difficult.

— rachel becker, The Verge, "Verily’s ‘exploding micro-needles’ are a fix for a problem that doesn’t exist," 18 May 2018
The researchers are also using their approach to examine metabolic changes, injecting mice with insulin or glucose and looking for vagal responses.

— tim hornyak, Scientific American, "Could Future Nerve Implants Detect and Monitor Illness?," 10 May 2018
When the scientists tested it in humans, the sensor successfully detected glucose, alcohol, and salt, according to a study recently published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies.

— angela chen, The Verge, "How sensors are giving us another way to peek inside our bodies," 25 May 2018
Diabetes occurs when glucose, or sugar, in a person’s bloodstream remains in chronically high concentrations.

— emily underwood, Science | AAAS, "Could deep brain stimulation help zap diabetes?," 23 May 2018
Biotin helps with the metabolism of fatty acids, glucose (blood sugar, in other words), and amino acids in your body, the NIH reports.

— korin miller, Allure, "The Truth About Biotin Supplements, According to Nutritionists," 18 May 2018
Those range from blood glucose, blood pressure, weight and body mass, cholesterol, hearing and vision, and much more.

— david taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Dayton chamber to sponsor health fair Friday," 19 Mar. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1840

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Biochemistry Terms

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GLUCOSE Defined for English Language Learners

glucose

noun

Definition of glucose for English Language Learners

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

GLUCOSE Defined for Kids

glucose

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

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