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

The latter triggers glucose spikes, inflammation and rebound hunger. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Even with continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump, diabetes is unpredictable. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

In March 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first continuous glucose monitors designed for use by people without diabetes. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 June 2025

In September, Oura acquired Veri, a metabolic health startup that uses data from continuous glucose monitors to give users insight into their blood sugar levels. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 10 June 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