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

They are broken down into glucose, your body's main energy source. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Mar. 2025

In this state, the liver converts fats into ketones, which the brain uses as an alternate fuel source to the glucose that would ordinarily come from the breakdown of carbs. —New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025

May help stabilize blood sugar levels: Some people, especially those with blood sugar imbalances, may benefit from a small snack with protein and fiber to prevent glucose dips. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

The data collected by these devices includes but is not limited to blood glucose levels, electrocardiogram readings, skin temperature and respiration rates. —Alexander Podgornyy, Forbes, 28 Feb. 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