Involved in the glycerol metabolism. Catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone (glycerone). GolD specifically uses NAD. glycerol + NAD(+) = dihydroxyacetone + H(+) + NADH Inhibited by Zn(2+). Repressed by GolR. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.