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

Those storage spots typically contain enough glycogen to fuel 90 to 120 minutes of vigorous movement, such as running. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025

Refined carbs can help athletes fuel up before intensive training or competition and can also be used to replenish glycogen stores after intense workouts. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Jan. 2025

Restoring carbs after intense physical activity is necessary to maintain your glycogen stores, a source of energy that helps fuel your muscles so that you can be energized enough for your next workout. —Ashia Aubourg, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024

For example, when preparing for a competition, an athlete may reduce their training volume while consuming a very high-carbohydrate diet of 8–10 grams/kilogram (g/kg) of carbohydrates per day for 1-3 days to maximize muscle glycogen (energy) stores. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 15 Oct. 2024

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