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

Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are used to monitor and better regulate blood sugar levels. —Cynthia Sass, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Treatment can include hospitalization with intravenous fluids, antiemetics to stop vomiting, focus on nutrition, with a feeding tube, if necessary, correction of any electrolyte imbalances or low blood glucose and possibly a monoclonal antibody, the site said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Last fall, Circular announced blood pressure and glucose measurements as upcoming features for the Ring 2, but neither has launched yet at the time of my testing. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026

Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that omega-3 supplements can improve blood glucose control. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for glucose

• arkose
• engross
• faroese
• fructose
• fucose
• gatos
• jocose
• morose
• vadose
• adios
• adipose
• amylose

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