English Lexicon

Glycogen

/ˈɡlaɪ.kə.dʒən/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A multi-branched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi.

    "The body converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles."
  2. 2

    A carbohydrate that can be broken down into glucose when energy is needed.

    "During intense exercise, glycogen is rapidly converted back into glucose to fuel muscle activity."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'glycogen' is derived from the Greek word 'glykys', meaning 'sweet', combined with the suffix '-gen', which indicates something that produces or generates. It was first coined in the mid-19th century as scientists began to understand the role of this polysaccharide in energy storage in animals.

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