glucagon

noun

glu·​ca·​gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän 

: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of glycogen breakdown in the liver

Examples of glucagon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new medication from Tufts targets a combination of four hormones — GLP-1, GIP, glucagon (the counterpart to insulin), and peptide YY, which reduces hunger, slows stomach emptying and may promote fat-burning. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The hormones insulin and glucagon, both produced in the pancreas, work together to help keep steady blood glucose levels. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025

Injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or GLP-1s, began as diabetes medications. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Looking at 14 cancers, of which 13 were associated with obesity, scientists discovered people taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)—the official name for the class of drugs—had a small reduction in risk of any of the cancers. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

gluc- + -agon (perhaps from Greek agōn, present participle of agein to lead, drive) — more at agent

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glucagon

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

Medical Definition

glucagon

noun

glu·​ca·​gon ˈglü-kə-ˌgän 

: a protein hormone that is produced especially by the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and that promotes an increase in the sugar content of the blood by increasing the rate of breakdown of glycogen in the liver

called also hyperglycemic factor, hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor