noun
glucose
GLOO-kohs/ˈɡluːkəʊs/
A simple sugar that living cells use for energy.
Your cells use glucose for energy throughout the day.
Etymology
French glucose is said to have been coined from Greek gleukos, “must” or “sweet wine.” This name reflects its connection with grapes: glucose was first obtained from grape sugar.
In context
insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use glucose or sugar for energy
More examples
- The test measures the amount of glucose in your blood.
- Plants make glucose using energy from sunlight.
- Digestion breaks down starch into glucose.
Forms
glucose
Similar words
- dextrose
- Specifically names the naturally occurring form of glucose.