glucose
This term is primarily used in biological and medical contexts to describe the primary fuel for cellular respiration. It carries a neutral, scientific connotation, typically appearing in discussions regarding metabolism, diabetes, or nutrition. While it is a specific chemical compound, in common parlance it is often used interchangeably with blood sugar when referring to the concentration of the substance in the bloodstream.
Grammatically, glucose is an uncountable mass noun. It does not have a plural form in standard usage; one does not refer to multiple glucoses. To quantify it, speakers use units of measurement such as milligrams per deciliter or molar concentrations rather than count nouns.
Used to describe the chemical substance in bulk, such as measuring the amount of glucose in a sample of blood.
Meanings
Examples
The body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose for energy.
Collocations & Compounds
blood glucose
Noun collocation: the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma
The patient needs to monitor their blood glucose levels daily.
glucose level
Noun collocation: the amount of glucose present in a biological sample
High glucose levels can be an indicator of diabetes.
glucose molecule
Noun collocation: a single unit of the simple sugar glucose
The glucose molecule consists of six carbon atoms.
glucose solution
Noun collocation: a mixture of glucose dissolved in a solvent
The lab technician prepared a concentrated glucose solution for the experiment.
metabolize glucose
Verb collocation: to process glucose into energy within the body
The muscles metabolize glucose rapidly during intense exercise.