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

Coverage for remote blood pressure monitoring, glucose monitors and remote ultrasounds. —Alex Golden, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Those include blood glucose levels, blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol profile (the body's levels of triglycerides, a type of harmful fat found in the blood), and high-density lipoprotein (a beneficial cholesterol-carrying molecule). —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025

These enzymes play critical roles in gluconeogenesis—the creation of glucose from noncarbohydrate sources like fats and proteins. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2025

Hemoglobin A1c levels help determine how well glucose levels are being controlled in those with prediabetes or diabetes. —Gary W. Miller, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 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

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