glucagon

[ gloo-kuh-gon ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a hormone secreted by the pancreas that acts in opposition to insulin in the regulation of blood glucose levels.

glucagon

/ -ɡən; ˈɡluːkəˌɡɒn /

noun

1. a polypeptide hormone, produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that stimulates the release of glucose into the blood Compare insulin

glucagon

/ glo̅o̅′kə-gŏn′ /

1. A polypeptide hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates an increase in blood glucose levels, thus opposing the action of insulin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of glucagon¹

1923; probably gluc- + Greek ágōn present participle of ágein to lead, drive; -agogue

Word History and Origins

Origin of glucagon¹

C20: from gluc ( ose ) + -agon, perhaps from Greek agein to lead

Example Sentences

The pancreas had more cells to produce insulin, which tells the body to lower blood sugar, as well as more cells to produce glucagon, the other major sugar-regulating hormone.

From Science Daily

Whereas insulin lowers blood glucose, glucagon raises it, and scientists thought suppressing glucagon might help treat type 2 diabetes.

From Science Magazine

Semaglutide signals the pancreas to create more insulin and also lowers glucagon, which helps control blood sugar levels.

From National Geographic

But it also blocks the production of glucagon, a hormone that can raise blood sugar back up.

From Salon

When nicotine binds to neuronal receptors in a brain region called the habenula, Kenny found, it prompts the pancreas to release glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.

From Science Magazine