glucosamine

American  

[gloo-koh-suh-meen, -min] / gluˈkoʊ səˌmin, -mɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

---

glucosamine British  

/ ɡluːˈkəʊzˈəmiːn /

noun

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

---

glucosamine Scientific  

/ 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 .

---

Etymology

Origin of glucosamine

First recorded in 1880–85; glucose + -amine

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

glucosamine

Researchers also observed that glucosamine use was linked to a 25% increase in mortality risk among people already diagnosed with ADRD.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

Researchers also uncovered evidence suggesting that glucosamine may interact with biological processes in the brain that are already disrupted in Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

In addition, I take glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and pectin to keep my foot and knee pain at bay.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 3, 2023

You can learn more about the pros and cons of glucosamine and chondroitin as well as other natural approaches for easing joint pain in our eGuide, Alternatives for Arthritis.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 14, 2022

When hydrolysed these fungoid celluloses yield, in addition to monoses, glucosamine and acetic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various