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

Some mostly contain simple carbohydrates, sugar, trans fat, and sodium, while others contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Polyphenols may support carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism and reduce insulin resistance, a primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 20 Dec. 2024

Grain Is Dangerous to Deer in Winter Grains like corn are high in carbohydrates, while deer naturally eat high-fiber foods in winter. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024

Food exchanges: 2 vegetables, ½ carbohydrate, 1 ½ fat. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 14 Dec. 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