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

Use stevia or monk fruit to add natural sweetness without additional glucose. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

The patient felt intimidated by the technology — an insulin pump, a glucose monitor — that would now be part of her daily life. —Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026

Some lean into glucose to speed absorption, while others go zero-sugar and use stevia or monk fruit as sweeteners. —Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

The enzyme specifically helps break down a molecule called glucocerebroside — a component of the membrane surrounding cells — into glucose and ceramide so the parts can be reused. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 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
• plateaus
• spinose
• vadose
• adios

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