glucosamine

[ gloo-koh-suh-meen, -min ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an aminosugar occurring in many polysaccharides of vertebrate tissue and also as the major component of chitin.

glucosamine

/ ɡluːˈkəʊzˈəmiːn /

noun

1. the amino derivative of glucose that occurs in chitin. It has been used in some herbal remedies

glucosamine

/ glo̅o̅-kō′sə-mēn′,glo̅o̅′kō- /

1. An amino derivative of glucose in which an amino group replaces a hydroxyl group. It is a component of many polysaccharides and is the basic structural unit of chitin. Glucosamine is used as an over-the-counter dietary supplement by some people with symptoms of arthritis. Chemical formula: C 6 H 13 NO 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of glucosamine¹

First recorded in 1880–85; glucose + -amine

Example Sentences

We appreciate the perspective from veterinary medicine, where glucosamine and chondroitin are sometimes found to be quite helpful.

From Seattle Times

About that time, I read in The People’s Pharmacy about glucosamine sulfate and thought, “That can’t hurt.”

From Seattle Times

Q: You recently had a letter from a woman whose doctor told her to use glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis pain relief.

From Seattle Times

When I asked my pharmacist for a supplement to help my symptoms, he suggested glucosamine sulfate plus chondroitin sulfate plus MSM.

From Seattle Times

A: You are not the first reader to report that taking glucosamine and chondroitin was associated with higher cholesterol readings.

From Seattle Times