Definition

A substance made by the pancreas that helps raise blood sugar levels by breaking down stored sugar in the liver.

Example

After the meal, glucagon helps to ensure that my blood sugar levels remain stable.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of glucagon?

Yeah, it's that hormone that helps raise blood sugar levels, right?

Exactly! It's kind of the opposite of insulin.

Right! It's so interesting how our bodies manage sugar.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Glucagon is formed from "gluco-" (from Greek "glukus", meaning sweet) and "-agon" (from Greek "agōn", meaning contest or struggle). The word refers to a hormone that raises blood glucose levels, thus engaging in a 'struggle' to maintain sugar balance in the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sweet' ('gluco-') and a 'struggle' ('-agon') to remember that glucagon is involved in raising blood sugar levels.

Visually Confused Words