glucose

The word “glucose” means a simple sugar that serves as a major source of energy for living cells. In plain terms, a basic sugar the body uses for energy.

“Glucose” is pronounced GLOO-kohz (/ˈɡlu.koʊs/ in IPA).

Here is “glucose” used in a sentence: “The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose for energy.”

“Glucose” is a noun.

The word “glucose” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed via French from Ancient Greek gleukos, meaning "sweet wine" or "must" — reflecting its sweet taste.

“Glucose” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Glucose is one specific simple sugar, while "sugar" is a broader term covering many types, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose (table sugar, which is actually made of glucose and fructose joined together). Glucose is the primary simple sugar that living cells use directly for energy.

Glucose is the simple sugar that circulates in the blood and fuels cells directly, while glycogen is a larger storage molecule made of many glucose units linked together, kept in the liver and muscles for later use. The body breaks glycogen back down into glucose when energy is needed.

Glucose serves as a major source of energy for living cells, powering essential processes throughout the body, including brain function. Blood glucose levels are carefully regulated by hormones such as insulin to keep this energy supply steady.