noun

glycogen

GLY-kuh-jen

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Glycogen (noun) means Glycogen is a carbohydrate that animals store in the liver and muscles and break down into glucose for energy. Example: “The liver stores glycogen and releases it as glucose between meals.”

noun

technical Glycogen is a carbohydrate that animals store in the liver and muscles and break down into glucose for energy.

"The liver stores glycogen and releases it as glucose between meals."

"After exercise, muscles rebuild their glycogen stores."

"Low glycogen levels can leave an athlete feeling tired."

How to use glycogen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGlycogen is the body's stored form of sugar, ready to be turned back into energy.

When to use it

Glycogen is a technical term used in biology, medicine and sports science.

Memory tip

Remember glycogen is stored energy, while glucose is the sugar your body actually uses.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

glucose →

Common pairings

glycogen stores break down glycogen muscle glycogen glycogen levels

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “glycogen” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The liver stores _____ and releases it as glucose between meals.

Etymology

Glycogen was borrowed from French glycogène, itself built from glyco-, relating to sugar, and the suffix -gen, meaning producing.

Origin: French

Rhymes for glycogen

Imogen halogen androgen hydrogen nitrogen pathogen estrogen oestrogen carcinogen

See all rhymes for glycogen →

Frequently asked questions

What is glycogen used for?

Glycogen stores carbohydrate energy in the body and is converted back into glucose when needed.

Where is glycogen stored?

It is mainly stored in the liver and muscles of animals.

Where does the word glycogen come from?

It was borrowed from the French word glycogène, formed from glyco- and the suffix -gen.

What is the meaning of glycogen?

"glycogen" (noun) means glycogen is a carbohydrate that animals store in the liver and muscles and break down into glucose for energy.