noun
Uncommon
glucose
GLOO-kohz
Glucose (noun) means a simple sugar that serves as a major source of energy for living cells. Example: “The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose for energy.”
noun
1
A simple sugar that serves as a major source of energy for living cells.
"The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose for energy."
"Diabetics must carefully monitor their blood glucose levels."
"Runners often eat sweets during a long race to top up their glucose quickly."
How to use glucose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA basic sugar the body uses for energy.
Common pairings
blood glucose
glucose levels
glucose monitor
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Word forms
- Plural
- glucoses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The body breaks carbohydrates down into _____ for energy.
Etymology
Borrowed via French from Ancient Greek gleukos, meaning "sweet wine" or "must" — reflecting its sweet taste.
Synonyms
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dextrose
blood sugar
Related words
Rhymes for glucose
See all rhymes for glucose →Frequently asked questions
What does “glucose” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “glucose”?
“Glucose” is pronounced GLOO-kohz (/ˈɡlu.koʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “glucose” in a sentence?
Here is “glucose” used in a sentence: “The body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose for energy.”
What part of speech is “glucose”?
“Glucose” is a noun.
Where does the word “glucose” come from?
The word “glucose” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed via French from Ancient Greek gleukos, meaning "sweet wine" or "must" — reflecting its sweet taste.
Is “glucose” a common word?
“Glucose” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between glucose and sugar?
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.
What is the difference between glucose and glycogen?
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.
Why is glucose important for the human body?
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.
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