glucagon-like peptide

noun

glu·​ca·​gon-like peptide
plural glucagon-like peptides
: either of two intestinal hormones secreted together when nutrients (such as carbohydrates and lipids) are present in the small intestine:
a
or glucagon-like peptide-1 : one that stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, slows the movement of stomach contents into the small intestine, and promotes feelings of satiety : glp-1
The small intestine releases a number of appetite-suppressing hormones that promote satiety, including glucagon-like peptide-1Samantha Murphy
b
or glucagon-like peptide-2 : one that stimulates cell proliferation in the intestinal mucosa and has little effect on insulin secretion : glp-2

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glucagon-like peptide was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glucagon-like peptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glucagon-like%20peptide. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

glucagon-like peptide

noun
: either of two intestinal hormones secreted together when nutrients (such as carbohydrates and lipids) are present in the small intestine:
a
or glucagon-like peptide 1 : one that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, stomach emptying, and food intake
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved agents that increase blood glucagon-like peptide 1 … activity or levels and stimulate insulin secretion (in a glucose-dependent manner) while inhibiting glucagon secretion.Faramarz Ismail-Beigi, The New England Journal of Medicine
abbreviation GLP-1
b
or glucagon-like peptide 2 : one that stimulates cell proliferation in the intestinal mucosa and has little effect on insulin secretion
abbreviation GLP-2
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster