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

Amylin is a hormone that is co-secreted with insulin through the pancreas and helps regulate blood glucose levels, appetite and gastric emptying, which is the process of food moving from the stomach to the intestines. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025

It could be used in the creation of next-generation bioelectronic devices or internal medical tools, like pacemakers, implantable glucose sensors, and brain electrodes used for treating neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

However, there are numerous animal studies on mice and rats that show positive effects of intermittent fasting to improve insulin sensitivity and normalize blood glucose levels. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

The most beneficial types for regulating glucose contain the lowest amount of carbs, paired with the highest fiber content. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 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