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

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.

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

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

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

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

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