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

Limiting Food Right Before Bed Maintains Heart Health Those in the fasting group showed better blood pressure and heart rate levels, as well as glucose regulation, aka stable blood sugar levels. —Julia Sullivan, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026

For instance, soluble fiber puts the brakes on the rate at which carbohydrates enter into the bloodstream, according to the FDA, which helps prevent spikes in blood glucose (blood sugar) after eating. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026

Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, while LAB can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 Feb. 2026

Surgery may be better at lowering blood glucose levels, inducing weight loss, reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and lessening the need for diabetes medications like insulin injections, a recent study concluded, but medication is winning the day. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026

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