glucose

noun glu·cose \ ˈglü-ˌkōs , -ˌkōz \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 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

Topics covered include medication management, blood glucose monitoring, exercise, complication prevention, and nutrition with an emphasis on carbohydrate counting, sodium and fats.

— staff report, Post-Tribune, "Community news," 11 July 2018
Sentsov, who had been drinking water, has agreed to be put on a glucose drip after doctors warned that the effects of his hunger strike were approaching irreversible stages.

— sabra ayres, latimes.com, "Ukrainian film director on hunger strike in a Russian prison casts dark cloud over World Cup," 19 June 2018
As the neural cells released more dopamine, the rate at which other cells absorbed glucose from the rodents’ blood picked up.

— emily underwood, Science | AAAS, "Could deep brain stimulation help zap diabetes?," 23 May 2018
Overall, the use of telemedicine was found to either lead to similar outcomes as face-to-face visits (in managing heart failure, for instance) or to better care (in controlling blood glucose, for example, in people with diabetes).

— clifton leaf, Fortune, "Why Hasn’t Telemedicine Taken Off? Hey, Blame This Guy.," 3 July 2018
First, let’s talk about the G6 continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, from San Diego’s Dexcom.

— david lazarus, latimes.com, "Cutting-edge tech makes diabetes management easier (and less painful) than ever," 7 June 2018
Abbott’s Libre glucose monitor also doesn’t require finger pricks.

— mike freeman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Dexcom's revenue jumps ahead of launch of latest wearable glucose monitor for diabetes patients," 2 May 2018
Nurses didn’t complete blood work and neurological assessments, monitor blood glucose levels and do other checks.

— Washington Post, "US: Care lacking at troubled Washington psychiatric hospital," 27 June 2018
During youth, bioresilience returns elevated blood pressure, glucose and inflammation to baseline.

— WSJ, "Is There a Limit to the Human Lifespan?," 24 June 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