Glucose

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Glucose

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

GLOO-kohs  /ˈɡluːkəʊs/

Definition

A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates; the form of sugar transported in the blood.

Plain meaning

Glucose is the simplest and most important sugar your body uses for energy — it circulates in the blood, powers every cell, and is the building block of starch, cellulose, and glycogen.

Register

Scientific and medical in specialist contexts. Widely understood in everyday language through the prominence of blood glucose in diabetes management. The word appears in everyday food labelling, health journalism, and medical communication without register complications.