glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x that is the principal form in which glucose is stored in animal tissues and especially muscle and liver tissue

Examples of glycogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These simple carbohydrates are digested easily and quickly, provide energy immediately, and help restore the body's glycogen. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025

For example, muscles use glucose (sugar) for energy and can store glucose as glycogen for later use. —Jakob Roze, Health, 25 Aug. 2025

The body stores about 1,700 to 2,200 calories’ worth of energy as glycogen. —Jessica Rosgaard, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2025

In addition, each pound of glycogen is stored with 2.7 pounds of water. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white tasteless substance that is the chief form in which glucose is stored in animals

Medical Definition

glycogen

noun

gly·​co·​gen ˈglī-kə-jən 

: a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x that constitutes the principal form in which glucose is stored in animal tissues, occurs especially in the liver and in muscle and also in fungi and yeasts, and resembles starch in molecular structure and in the formation of only glucose on complete hydrolysis

called also animal starch