glycosaminoglycan

[ glahy-kohs-uh-mee-noh-glahy-kan ]
/ ˌglaɪ koʊs əˌmi noʊˈglaɪ kæn /

noun

any of a class of polysaccharides derived from hexosamine that form mucins when complexed with proteins: formerly called mucopolysaccharide.

Origin of glycosaminoglycan

1975–80; glyco- + (hexo)samine + -o- + glycan polysaccharide

Medical definitions for glycosaminoglycan

glycosaminoglycan
[ glī′kōs-ə-mē′nō-glīkăn′ ]

n.

mucopolysaccharide

Scientific definitions for glycosaminoglycan

glycosaminoglycan
[ glī′kōs-ə-mē′nō-glīkăn ]

Any of a group of polysaccharides with high molecular weight that contain amino sugars and often form complexes with proteins. Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan. Also called mucopolysaccharide