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Definition of "glucagon" []

  • A hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates an increase in blood sugar levels, thus opposing the action of insulin. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "glucagon" in a sentence
  • "We have found in a previous study with rats that the fibre increases the levels of a satiety hormone called glucagon-like peptide GLP-1 in the body and increases a gene in the intestines that helps the body to create more GLP-1."
  • "He discovered a new hormone called glucagon-like peptide one GLP-1, which scientists eventually realized lowers blood sugar only when it gets too high."
  • "Alpha cells secrete a hormone called glucagon that counteracts the effects of too much insulin and helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels."