'glucoselike' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'glucose' and the suffix '-like'. 'Glucose' ultimately comes from Greek 'glykys' (γλυκύς) via French and Neo-Latin, where 'glykys' meant 'sweet'; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English 'līc', meaning 'form' or 'similar.'

'glucose' changed from Greek 'glykys' to Late Latin/Neo-Latin forms and French 'glucose,' eventually becoming the modern English 'glucose.' The element '-like' developed from Old English 'līc' and Middle English forms into the productive Modern English suffix '-like.' These elements were combined in Modern English to form the compound adjective 'glucose-like' (written also as 'glucoselike').

Initially, the Greek root meant 'sweet,' referring to taste; over time it became the specific name for the sugar 'glucose.' The Old English root meant 'body' or 'form' and evolved into a suffix meaning 'similar to.' Together they now mean 'similar to glucose.'