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

Skipping meals—especially breakfast—can disrupt glucose metabolism and lead to bigger blood sugar spikes later in the day. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Nov. 2025

Diabetes is a medical condition that affects glucose balance. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Nov. 2025

So even though pecan pie is high in sugar, the protein and fiber slow down stomach emptying and, in turn, the release of glucose into the bloodstream. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 25 Nov. 2025

Some studies also suggested possible improvements in blood glucose when mushrooms are part of an overall healthier eating pattern. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

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
• vadose
• adios
• adipose
• amylose

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