glycosaminoglycan

noun

gly·​cos·​ami·​no·​gly·​can ˌglī-kō-sə-ˌmē-nō-ˈglī-ˌkan  -kō-ˌsa-mə-nō- 

: any of various polysaccharides derived from an amino hexose that are constituents of mucoproteins, glycoproteins, and blood-group substances

called also mucopolysaccharide

Examples of glycosaminoglycan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Assays looking for circulating tumor DNA, epigenetic modifications, fragment length patterns, and different molecules, such as RNA, proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and extracellular vesicles, were being trained to catch cancer using machine learning. — Sana Raoof, STAT, 4 June 2026

Hunter syndrome is a rare condition caused by the deficiency of an enzyme needed to break down sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). — Nathan Grant, STAT, 14 Apr. 2026

The skin and body benefits of marine collagen Together with elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other glycosaminoglycans, collagen forms the extracellular matrix that gives our skin firmness, tone, and elasticity. — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 7 May 2025

Chondroitin sulfate is a natural glycosaminoglycan, a structural molecule present in joints, skin, and cartilage. — Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025

Glucosamine is an amino acid used to form the molecule glycosaminoglycan, which is a component of cartilage structure. — Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025

Glucosamine is known for its ability to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential components of healthy cartilage. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

Glucosamine helps stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans, which are essential components of healthy cartilage. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

glyc- + hexosamine (amine derived from a hexose) + -o- + glycan

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glycosaminoglycan

• glycan
• lichen
• liken
• peptidoglycan
• proteoglycan

Medical Definition

glycosaminoglycan

noun

gly·​cos·​ami·​no·​gly·​can ˌglī-kō-sə-ˌmē-nō-ˈglī-ˌkan  -kō-ˌsam-ə-nō- 

: any of various polysaccharides derived from an amino hexose that are constituents of mucoproteins, glycoproteins, and blood-group substances

called also mucopolysaccharide