glycogen
noun/ˈɡlaɪ.kə.d͡ʒn̩/ · /ˈɡlɪ.kə.d͡ʒn̩/
Etymology Borrowed from French glycogène. By surface analysis, glyco- + -gen.
1
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A polysaccharide that is the main form of carbohydrate storage in animals; converted to glucose as needed.
- Specifically the liver converts glucose into glycogen — a more compact chemical. It is a little bit like shrink-wrapping food so you can pack more of it into your freezer.2019, Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Black Swan (2020), page 175:
- Derived terms
- glycogenesis, glycogenic, glycogenolysis, glycogenolytic, glycogenosis, glycogenosome, glycogenotic, nonglycogen, phytoglycogen