carbohydrate

[ kahr-boh-hahy-dreyt, -buh- ]

noun

1. any of a class of organic compounds that are polyhydroxy aldehydes or polyhydroxy ketones, or change to such substances on simple chemical transformations, as hydrolysis, oxidation, or reduction, and that form the supporting tissues of plants and are important food for animals and people.

carbohydrate

/ ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaɪdreɪt /

noun

1. any of a large group of organic compounds, including sugars, such as sucrose, and polysaccharides, such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch, that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the general formula C m (H 2 O) n: an important source of food and energy for animals Informal termcarb

carbohydrate

/ kär′bō-hī′drāt′ /

1. Any of a large class of organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually with twice as many hydrogen atoms as carbon or oxygen atoms. Carbohydrates are produced in green plants by photosynthesis and serve as a major energy source in animal diets. Sugars, starches, and cellulose are all carbohydrates.

Other Words From

• noncar·bo·hydrate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbohydrate¹

First recorded in 1865–70; carbo- + hydrate

Example Sentences

“This is a clean, straightforward brand and zero calories — just your electrolytes. It isn’t flavored, though, so would not be an adequate water flavoring product. It would be good for a smoothie boost or if someone is on an elimination diet. But you’d need to add in a carbohydrate source, like fruit, for this to be more hydrating. It would have to be a whole lemon squeezed in. Or, if doing a smoothie, add a quarter cup of frozen berries to help absorb the electrolytes and help hydration.”

From Los Angeles Times

Pictures taken by Bujakera show a tub of maize meal - a staple carbohydrate in DR Congo - turned hard and dry, accompanied by a watery brown vegetable stew.

From BBC

The most obvious way to stabilize blood sugar levels is to decrease sugar and carbohydrate intake.

From Salon

The combination of vegetables, acid from the vinegar and fat from the olive oil, all work together to slow carbohydrate absorption and minimize the resultant blood sugar spike.

From Salon

Interestingly, the rise in adrenaline that follows sugar and carbohydrate consumption doesn't happen until four to five hours after eating.

From Salon

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• lactose
• starch
• sugar