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 carbs can also help replenish glycogen stores that are depleted during strenuous activity. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 July 2025

However, boosting a particular enzyme, glycogen phosphorylase (GlyP), can get the ball rolling and clear out that excess sugar, in turn stopping tau from clinging to it. —New Atlas, 30 June 2025

Post-exercise nutrition also helps restore glycogen stores.4 Skipping meals or snacks after exercise may leave you feeling fatigued and irritated. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

Your body binds every 1 gram (g) of glycogen to at least 3 g of water. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 12 May 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