carbohydrate

American  

[kahr-boh-hahy-dreyt, -buh-] / ˌkɑr boʊˈhaɪ dreɪt, -bə- /

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.

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carbohydrate British  

/ ˌkɑːbəʊˈhaɪdreɪt /

noun

1. Informal term: carb.  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

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carbohydrate Scientific  

/ 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.

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Usage

What is a carbohydrate? A carbohydrate is an organic compound that is made of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Most carbohydrates have twice as much hydrogen as oxygen and carbon.In chemistry, a compound is a pure substance of two or more elements stuck together. An organic compound is a compound that contains hydrogen and carbon (hydrocarbons).Carbohydrates are extremely important to life and neither plants nor animals would be able to survive without them. Fortunately, carbohydrates are abundant in nature.Both the cell walls of plants and the tissues of animals are made partly out of carbohydrates. Additionally, both plants and animals use carbohydrates to produce and store energy. Without carbohydrates, neither plant nor animal cells could function and both would quickly die.Carbohydrates come from green plants as a product of the process known as photosynthesis in which plants combine carbon dioxide and water. Typically, animals get their carbohydrates by eating the plants, eating the fruits and vegetables of the plant, or eating other animals.It is very common in nutritional discussions to shorten carbohydrates to carbs.

Other Word Forms

• noncarbohydrate noun

Etymology

Origin of carbohydrate

First recorded in 1865–70; carbo- + hydrate

Example Sentences

Even though overall carbohydrate and fiber intake remained steady, the quality of food choices declined during rest periods.

From Science Daily

Some evidence suggests that replacing refined carbohydrates with pecans may improve insulin response or help moderate after meal blood sugar levels.

From Science Daily

In contrast, versions built around refined carbohydrates and animal products were associated with higher CHD risk and less favorable metabolic health markers.

From Science Daily

Larvae exposed to higher levels of microplastics showed reduced fat reserves, even though their carbohydrate and protein levels stayed consistent.

From Science Daily

It also carries enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, sugars, and fibers in the gut.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• lactose
• starch
• sugar