glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

-ˌkōz

1

: a crystalline sugar C₆H₁₂O₆

specifically : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals

2

: a light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

Examples of glucose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When blood sugar levels reach a certain threshold, a cascade of hormonal responses tells the pancreas to release insulin, slow digestion, and put a hold on the breakdown of glucose stores. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

The deficiency ​reduces the liver’s ability to control glucose levels and is associated with potentially life-threatening low blood sugar levels. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026

Inflammation from poor glucose control can stress blood vessels, increasing plaque accumulation and the risk of heart disease. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 19 Aug. 2026

The approach works by feeding the brain ketones instead of forcing the body to break down muscle for glucose. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, modification of Greek gleukos must, sweet wine; akin to Greek glykys sweet — more at dulcet

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing glucose

• glucose phosphate
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Rhymes for glucose

• arkose
• engross
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• jocose
• morose
• plateaus
• spinose
• vadose
• adios

Kids Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs 

: a sugar that occurs especially in a naturally occurring form that is found in plants, fruits, and blood and is a source of energy for living things

Medical Definition

glucose

noun

glu·​cose ˈglü-ˌkōs, -ˌkōz 

: an optically active sugar C₆H₁₂O₆ that has an aldehydic carbonyl group

especially : the sweet colorless soluble dextrorotatory form that occurs widely in nature and is the usual form in which carbohydrate is assimilated by animals