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

Meal times are carefully planned for children with metabolic disorders like glycogen storage disease, for whom missing a meal time by 15 minutes can become life-threatening, according to camp nutritionist Adina Yachnes. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Specifically, women oxidize fat more efficiently than men during prolonged exercise, which preserves glycogen for the late stages of long efforts. — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Pairing carbohydrates with protein replenishes glycogen stores while supplying amino acids needed for muscle repair, Kethamukkala says. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Carb-rich foods, like bananas, can provide a quick energy source for your muscles and can help replenish glycogen, the storage form of glucose, in muscle cells. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 July 2026

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