glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x that is the principal form in which glucose is stored in animal tissues and especially muscle and liver tissue

Examples of glycogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Muscles store enough glycogen to fuel about a 60-minute run. —Laurel Leicht, Health, 1 June 2024

Your muscles will have enough glycogen to power you through. —Laurel Leicht, Health, 1 June 2024

The condition, called glycogen disease type 1A, is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents patients from maintaining blood sugar levels. —Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 31 May 2024

Your body breaks down glycogen in your liver within the first 24 hours of fasting. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white tasteless substance that is the chief form in which glucose is stored in animals

Medical Definition

glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x that constitutes the principal form in which glucose is stored in animal tissues, occurs especially in the liver and in muscle and also in fungi and yeasts, and resembles starch in molecular structure and in the formation of only glucose on complete hydrolysis

called also animal starch