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

Other neuroendocrine tumors produce gastrin, glucagon, and other digestive hormones.

From The Daily Beast