carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods

Examples of carbohydrate in a Sentence

a food that is low in protein but high in carbohydrate

Recent Examples on the Web

All summer and into fall, the peony’s green foliage gathers sunlight and performs photosynthesis, creating carbohydrates to store in its roots. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2024

Two large eggs contain 12.6 g of protein and less than 1 g of carbohydrates. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Lower estrogen levels slow metabolism and change how the body digests carbohydrates. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Coffee is a complex beverage that contains more than 2,000 compounds, including carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing carbohydrate

• complex carbohydrate

Kids Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate ˌkär-bō-ˈhī-ˌdrāt 

-drət

: any of various compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, or celluloses) most of which are formed by plants and are a major animal food

Medical Definition

carbohydrate

noun

car·​bo·​hy·​drate -ˌdrāt, -drət 

: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods