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

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

Transition to your non-keto phase: Between your very-low-carb period is your higher-carb period to replenish glycogen stores. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Moore points to research showing that downing a recovery drink containing carbohydrate and protein rather than just carbohydrate after a hard workout helps your muscles restock their glycogen—the form in which your muscles store carbohydrate—more rapidly. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 15 Oct. 2024

Consuming carbs before, during, and after workouts helps replenish glycogen stores, optimizing muscle recovery and growth.12 Energy and Performance A consistent supply of carbohydrates throughout the day is necessary to optimize energy and performance. —Roxana Ehsani, Health, 25 Sep. 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