complex carbohydrate

noun

: a polysaccharide (such as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units
also : a food (such as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides

Examples of complex carbohydrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consider pairing your high-protein breakfast with some complex carbohydrates, like whole-grain toast. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 25 Mar. 2025 Avoid early dumping syndrome by pairing complex carbohydrates with protein and fiber at meals and separating liquids from solid foods.1 Food Intolerance Changes in how your body digests and absorbs food may influence food preferences or aversions. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 Beans Legumes like beans are full of complex carbohydrates, offering a steady stream of energy after consumption. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025 For this reason, it's generally recommended to choose complex carbohydrates over refined carbs. Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex carbohydrate

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of complex carbohydrate was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Complex carbohydrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complex%20carbohydrate. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

complex carbohydrate

noun
: a polysaccharide (as starch or cellulose) consisting of usually hundreds or thousands of monosaccharide units
also : a food (as rice or pasta) composed primarily of such polysaccharides
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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