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

Insulin is necessary to escort glucose into the cells, and without insulin, glucose remains in the blood. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough to regulate glucose (blood sugar) levels. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025

Metabolic biomarkers are also predictive of longevity and test blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2025

Adequate magnesium levels may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 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